The bill aims to enhance the welfare of domestic animals in West Virginia by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. It establishes definitions for key terms related to animal care, such as "humane officer," "primary enclosure," and "adequate care." The responsibilities of humane officers are updated to include enforcing animal welfare laws and reporting suspected abuse or neglect. The bill mandates that owners provide adequate food, water, shelter, exercise, and veterinary care for companion animals, and it imposes stricter regulations on commercial dog breeders, including the requirement for written disclosures to purchasers and minimum care standards. Additionally, it increases penalties for animal cruelty, particularly for repeat offenders, and introduces new criminal offenses related to unlawful confinement and hoarding of animals.

The legislation also outlines new requirements for commercial dog breeders, including the necessity of obtaining a valid business registration certificate and an annual permit from the county commission, with increased fees for these permits. It defines "torture" and establishes penalties for administering controlled substances to animals in contests, classifying such actions as misdemeanors. The bill criminalizes animal hoarding and prohibits chaining or tethering animals in ways that compromise their health and safety. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen protections for domestic animals, ensure responsible ownership and breeding practices, and improve the welfare of animals under human care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-10-2, 7-10-4, 19-20-22, 19-20-26, 61-8-19, 7-10-1a, 19-20-12a, 19-20-27, 61-8-19d, 61-8-19e