This bill proposes the establishment of an animal abuser registry in West Virginia, mandating that individuals aged 18 and older who have been convicted of specific animal abuse felonies register with local law enforcement. The bill outlines the registration process, which includes providing personal information such as legal names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, current addresses, places of employment, and details of the animal protection offenses for which they were convicted. Additionally, registered individuals must renew their registration annually for a period of 15 years and are required to provide a photograph, fingerprints, and descriptions of distinguishing features.

The bill also stipulates that local law enforcement agencies must maintain a local registry and forward registration information to the State Police, which will maintain a central registry accessible to the public. Failure to comply with registration requirements or providing false information can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the offense. The intent of the bill is to enhance public safety by keeping track of individuals convicted of animal abuse and ensuring that communities are informed about their presence.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-17-1