Bill > SB688

This bill establishes a new offense for assaulting or injuring a service animal, which is defined as an animal assisting a person with a disability, including those who are blind, deaf, or hearing impaired, or a person with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It makes it illegal to recklessly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to such an animal, whether it is actively assisting its handler at the time or if the offender knows it is a service animal. The bill also prohibits actions like taunting, striking, throwing objects at, or interfering with a service animal or its handler in a way that disrupts their control or the animal's ability to assist. Violators face misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both, and will be required to pay full restitution for all damages, including the animal's value, replacement and training costs, veterinary and medical expenses for both the animal and handler, and lost wages for the handler.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=688&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill