HB5670

Relating to cruelty to animals

Introduced·2/17/26
Intr Text

West Virginia HB5670 amends cruelty to animals laws, detailing animal care requirements, penalties, and a registry for repeat offenders.

West Virginia HB5670 amends the state's cruelty to animals laws by defining terms such as "food," "water," "shelter," and "treatment." It specifies requirements for tethering animals, including shelter, space, and tether length. The bill allows for animal seizure in cases of violations and increases criminal penalties. It mandates anger management programs for first-time offenders and requires psychiatric evaluations for repeat offenders. Repeat offenders are also added to a state-wide registry prohibiting them from owning animals for up to 15 years.

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Feb 17

House

Filed for introduction

Feb 17

House

To Judiciary

Feb 17

House

Introduced in House