Bill > HB5335

This bill establishes new criminal penalties for the sexual abuse of animals, defining "animal" as any nonhuman creature and "sexual abuse" as any act involving touching or contacting an animal's mouth, anus, or sex organs, or causing an object or another person to do so, for the purpose of sexual gratification. It makes it illegal to engage in, aid, abet, organize, promote, or possess animals with the intent of sexual abuse, as well as to permit such acts on one's property or to involve children under 18 in these acts. Violations are classified as misdemeanors with penalties of up to 12 months in jail and fines between $300 and $2,000, or felonies with penalties of one to five years in prison and fines between $1,000 and $5,000 if there are prior convictions, serious injury or death to the animal, or if children are involved, which carries even harsher penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Convicted individuals will forfeit ownership of any animals, be responsible for their care costs, and face significant restrictions on owning animals for at least 5 years for misdemeanors and 15 years for felonies, with mandatory psychiatric evaluations before probation is considered.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5335&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill