West Virginia HB5550 strengthens animal shelter requirements and penalties for animal cruelty.

West Virginia HB5550 amends the state's animal cruelty laws by specifying that blankets retaining moisture and freezing are not acceptable bedding. It mandates that shelters for dogs must be free from waste, dirt, and trash, and each dog must have its own shelter. For dogs over four months old, the shelter must be approximately 100 square feet. The bill also requires convicted animal abusers to undergo psychiatric evaluations and anger management programs, with costs borne by the offenders unless they are indigent.

West Virginia HB5550 strengthens animal shelter requirements and penalties for animal cruelty.

West Virginia HB5550 amends the state's animal cruelty laws by specifying that blankets retaining moisture and freezing are not acceptable bedding. It mandates that shelters for dogs must be free from waste, dirt, and trash, and each dog must have its own shelter. For dogs over four months old, the shelter must be approximately 100 square feet. The bill also requires convicted animal abusers to undergo psychiatric evaluations and anger management programs, with costs borne by the offenders unless they are indigent.