This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish new legal protections for public safety animals, such as police dogs, by creating specific offenses for willfully causing physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to these animals. The bill introduces a new section, 61-2-10c, which defines terms related to public safety animals and outlines the penalties for various offenses. A person who willfully causes physical injury to a public safety animal can be charged with a misdemeanor, while causing serious physical injury or death to such animals constitutes a felony, with corresponding fines and imprisonment terms. Additionally, the bill allows for the defense of public safety animals and provides an exemption for those who euthanize an injured or ill public safety animal as part of their official duties.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing law regarding causing injury or death to police dogs and other public safety animals (19-20-24) and amends the recidivist sentencing provisions in 61-11-18 to include felony offenses related to public safety animals as qualifying offenses. This means that individuals convicted of these new offenses may face enhanced penalties if they have prior convictions. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework protecting public safety animals and ensure that those who harm them are held accountable.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-3-27a, 19-20-24
Committee Substitute: 61-11-18, 61-2-10c, 19-20-24