This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to expand the definition of "vicious pets" beyond just dogs to include other types of pets. It prohibits individuals from owning, keeping, or harboring any pet known to be vicious, dangerous, or prone to biting or attacking people, regardless of whether the pet is wearing a tag or muzzle. The bill also stipulates that upon satisfactory proof of a pet's viciousness before a circuit court or magistrate, a judge may authorize a humane officer to kill the pet.

The legal language changes include the insertion of "pets" in place of "dogs" throughout the relevant section, as well as the addition of "and other pets" to the title of the article. Additionally, the term "other persons" has been replaced with "people" for clarity. The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that no vicious pets are kept by individuals.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-20-20