West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB4725: Clarifying the disposition of animal subject to animal cruelty treatment.
Status: Passed one chamber, February 12, 2026
What the bill says
To amend and reenact §61-8-19 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to cruelty to animals; clarifying that a court may enter an order for the return of an animal following a dismissal; clarifying the length a time persons convicted of offenses may be subject to prohibitions on possessing animals; and creating penalties. ARTICLE 8. CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY AND DECENCY. §61-8-19. Cruelty to animals; penalties; exclusions. (a)(1) It is unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, (A) Mistreat an animal in cruel manner; (B) Abandon an animal.
From the introduced text, January 22, 2026:
A BILL to amend and reenact §61-8-19 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to cruelty to animals; clarifying that a court may enter an order for the return of an animal following a dismissal; clarifying the length a time persons convicted of offenses may be subject to prohibitions on possessing animals; and creating penalties. ARTICLE 8. CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY AND DECENCY. §61-8-19. Cruelty to animals; penalties; exclusions. (a)(1) It is unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, (A) Mistreat an animal in cruel manner; (B) Abandon an animal; (C) Withhold; (i) Proper sustenance, including food or water; (ii) Shelter that protects from the elements of weather; or (iii) Medical treatment, necessary to sustain normal health and fitness or to end the suffering of any animal; (D) Abandon an animal to die; (E) Leave an animal unattended and confined in a motor vehicle when physical injury to or death of the animal is likely to result; (F) Ride an animal when it is physically unfit; (G) Bait or harass an animal for the purpose of making it perform for a person's amusement; (H) Cruelly chain or tether an animal; or (I) Use, train or possess a domesticated animal for the purpose of seizing, detaining or maltreating any other domesticated animal. (2) Any person in …