West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5550: Relating to shelter for animals
Status: Introduced, February 16, 2026
What the bill says
To amend and reenact §61-8-19 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to strengthening the definition of shelter for animals exposed to extreme weather; clarifying the minimum requirements for what constitutes a shelter; and clarifying what does not amount to a shelter. 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 foo.
From the introduced text, February 16, 2026:
A BILL to amend and reenact §61-8-19 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to strengthening the definition of shelter for animals exposed to extreme weather; clarifying the minimum requirements for what constitutes a shelter; and clarifying what does not amount to a shelter. 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 for a tethered dog or a dog roaming free shall consist of a four-sided structure, with a roof and one opening only wide enough for the dog to enter into the structure unimpeded, and it shall be a suitable size to accommodate the dog in both standing and lying positions. The shelter shall be moisture-proof, windproof, and ventilated. The shelter shall promote the retention of body heat, and be made of solid, durable material with a solid, moisture-proof floor raised at least two inches from the ground. The shelter shall have a sufficient quantity of suitable clean bedding material consisting of hay, straw, cedar shavings, or the equivalent to provide insulation and protection against cold and dampness. Blankets …