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TABLE OF CONTENTS WEST VIRGINIA STATE ANIMAL

CODE REVISION 20�4 (WV State Animal Code follows the ‘Table of Contents’) CHAPTER 5. GENERAL POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNOR, SECRETARY OF STATE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL; BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS; MISCELLANEOUS AGENCIES, COMMISSIONS, OFFICES, PROGRAMS, ETC.

ARTICLE ��A. WEST VIRGINIA FAIR HOUSING ACT ................................................................... Page85-11A-3. Definitions.5-11A-5. Discriminationinsaleorrentalofhousingandotherprohibitedpractices.......................................... Page105-11A-6. Discriminationinresidentialrealestaterelatedtransactions.

5-11A-7.Discriminationinprovisionofbrokerageservices.

CHAPTER 7. COUNTY COMMISSIONS AND OFFICERS ..............................................................Page �4

ARTICLE �. COUNTY COMMISSIONS GENERALLY.

7-1-14 Custodyandcareofanimalsabandoned,neglectedorcruellytreated;animalscausingpublicnuisance,healthriskorsafetyhazard;authorityofcountycommission.

ARTICLE �0. HUMANE OFFICERS ..................Page �5 7-10-1 Deputysheriffsashumaneofficersorsodesignated.

7-10-2 Dutyofhumaneofficers;reportingrequirementwhenabuseorneglectofindividualssuspected;prohibitionagainstinterferencewithhumaneofficers;penalties.

7-10-3 Crueltreatmentofanimalsdrawingorinvehicle;custodyandcarethereofbyhumaneofficers.

7-10-4 Custodyandcareofanimalsabandoned,

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neglected,orcruellytreated,hearing;bonds;liabilityforcosts;liens;exclusions.(Humanelydestroyeddoesnotincludeeuthanizingananimalbymeansofagaschamber)....................Page20

7-10-4a Reportingofanimalsabandoned,neglectedorcruellytreated:enforcement.

7-10-5 Destructionofanimals.

CHAPTER 9. HUMAN SERVICES .....................Page 2� ARTICLE 6. SOCIAL SERVICES FOR ADULTS.

9-6-9. Mandatoryreportingofincidencesofabuse,neglectoremergencysituation.

9-6-9a. Mandatoryreportingsuspectedofanimalcrueltybyadultprotectiveserviceworkers

CHAPTER �9.AGRICULTURE ..........................Page 22 ARTICLE �C. CARE OF LIVESTOCK

19-1C-4.Powersanddutiesoftheboard.

ARTICLE �8. GENERAL STOCK LAW.

19-18-1. Livestocktrespassingonpropertyofanother;damagesforinjuriestopersonorproperty;noticetolivestockowner;containmentoflivestock;costsforcontainment.

19-18-2. Unclaimedlivestock;containmentbysheriff;sheriff’ssaleatpublicauction.

19-18-3. Criminalpenaltiesfortrespassinglivestock

ARTICLE 20. DOGS AND CATS ........................Page 25

19-20-1 Dogssubjecttotaxation;declaredpersonalproperty

19-20-2 Collectionofheadtaxondogs;dutiesofassessorandsheriff;registrationofdogs;dispositionofheadtax;taxesondogsnotcollectedbyassessor

19-20-3 Registrationofdogkennels;application;feeexpirationofcertificateofregistration

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19-20-4 Formsforregistration;records;registrationtags;lossthereof

19-20-5 Wearingofregistrationtagbydog19-20-6 Countydogwarden;rulesandregulationsfordog

control;prosecutionandpenaltiesforviolationofordinances

19-20-6a Authorityofcountycommissiontocontractwithprivatesociety,othercountyormunicipalityforthecareandcontrolofdogsandcats

19-20-7. Dogpoundandequipmenttobeprovidedbycountycourt[countycommission];exception.

19-20-8 Impoundinganddispositionofdogs;costsandfees.GasChamberProhibitionandRegulation–Existinggaschambersgrandfatheredinpriorto2009butsubjecttoinspectionbyWVVetBoard.

19-20-8a Jointownership,etc.;bycountiesandmunicipalitiesofdogpounds;jointemploymentofdogwardens.

19-20-9 Failuretoregisterdogorkennel;alterationorforgingofregistrationcertificateortag,penalties...............................................................Page#32

19-20-9a Dogs,cats,etc.;rabiesobservation.19-20-10 Dogandkennelfund;dispositionthereof19-20-11 Assessmentofdogsaspersonalproperty19-20-12 Dogs;otheranimalsandreptilesprotectedby

law;unlawfulkillingthereof;aggrievedowner’sremedy;penalties;penaltiesforunlawfulstealingofanimals

19-20-13 Dogsrunningatlarge;liabilityofowner19-20-14 Dogkilling,woundingorworryinglivestockor

poultry–recoveryofdamages19-20-15 Same–Assessmentofdamages;appraisers19-20-16 Same–Whenlawfultokilladog19-20-17 Same–Unlawfultoharbordog;penalty19-20-18 Same–Dutyofownertokilldog;proceeding

beforemagistrateonfailureofownertokill19-20-19 Offenses;criminalpenalties;jurisdiction19-20-19aDogwardenanddeputydogwardens;powerto

issuecitations

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19-20-20 Keepingviciousdogs;humaneofficersmaykillsuchdogs

19-20-21 Licensefeeforkeepingviciousordangerousdog19-20-22 Confinementoffemaledogs....................Page4019-20-23 Prohibitionoftheuseofimpoundeddogsand

cats19-20-24 Causingdeathorinjurytoanimalsusedbylaw-

enforcementofficialsorbyfirepreventionorinvestigationofficials;criminalpenalties

19-20-25 Retirement,transferordisposalofstateowneddogsandhorses

19-20-26 Commercialdog-breedingoperations.

ARTICLE 20A. VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS FOR RABIES .........................................................Page 46

19-20A-1 Purposeandpolicy19-20A-2 Vaccinationofdogsandcats19-20A-3 Vaccinationrecordandreport19-20A-4 Vaccinationtagandcertificate19-20A-5 Typeofvaccinetobefurnished;fee19-20A-6 Offensesandpenalties19-20A-7 Enforcementofarticle19-20A-8 Vaccinateddogsandcatsmayrunat

large;confinementmayberequiredbythecommissionerofagriculturewithinthelimitsofanyquarantineareaorlocality;andordinancesorrulesmaybepromulgatedbyanycountycommissionormunicipalityrelatingtothecontrolandmanagementofdogswithinthecounty;providinglimitedexemptionforhuntingandfarmdogsfromcountycommissionormunicipalityaction.

ARTICLE 20B. SPAYING OR NEUTERING OF DOGS AND CATS. .............................................................Page 49

19-20B-1 ShortTitle–articlemaybecitedastheWestVirginiaSpay/NeuterAct

19-20B-2 Requirementofadoption

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19-20B-3 Deposit19-20B-4 Petitionforcompliance19-20B-5 Penalty19-20B-6 Dogsorcatsclaimedbyowner

ARTICLE 20C. WEST VIRGINIA SPAY NEUTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (Rules are not completed)

19-20C-1.WestVirginiaSpayNeuterAssistanceProgram.19-20C-2.Fundestablished;acceptanceoffunds.19-20C-3.Rulemaking;annualreport.(Rulesarenot

completed)ARTICLE 20D. PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION FOR THE HUMANE DESTRUCTION OF A DOG. ....Page 52

ARTICLE ��. EQUINE RESCUE FACILITIES ACT .........................................................................Page 54 (Rules are not completed) 19-33-1................................................................Definitions.19-33-2........................Licensingofequinerescuefacilities.19-33-3......................Inspectionsofequinerescuefacilities.19-33-4. Legislativerules.(Rulesarenotcompleted)19-33-5. Penalties.

ARTICLE �4. DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS ACT ...................................................................................Page 56 (Rules are not completed)

19-34-1. Findingsandpurpose.19-34-2. Definitions.19-34-3. Rule-makingauthority.(Rulesarenot

completed)19-34-4. Prohibitiononthepossessionofadangerouswild

animal;exceptions.19-34-5. DangerousWildAnimalBoard;composition;

duties.19-34-6. Permitapplications,requirements,issuanceand

revocation.

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CHAPTER �0. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS

ARTICLE �0. VETERINARIANS.

30-10-12 Requirementstobeacertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnician.[30-10A-4oldcoderepealeduse30-10-12through30-10-15forallCAETregulations]26-5-1through26-5-15 ................................................................. Page62

TITLE 26 - LEGISLATIVE RULE - WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

SERIES 5 - CERTIFIED ANIMAL EUTHANASIA TECHNICIANS...................................................... Page65

CHAPTER 48. DOMESTIC RELATIONS.......... Page75

ARTICLE 27. PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

48-27-503PermissiveprovisionsinprotectiveorderProtectionofpetsincasesofdomesticviolence

48-27-702Lawenforcementofficerstoprovideinformation,transportationandtoreportsuspicionsofanimalcruelty.

CHAPTER 49. CHILD WELFARE. .....................Page 77

ARTICLE 5. JUVENILE PROCEEDINGS.

49-5-13F AnimalCrueltyEarlyInterventionProgram

ARTICLE 6A. REPORTS OF CHILDREN SUSPECTED TO BE ABUSED OR NEGLECTED

49-6A-2 Personsmandatedtoreportsuspectedabuseandneglect.

49-6A-2bMandatoryreportingofsuspectedanimalcrueltybychildprotectiveserviceworkers

CHAPTER 6�. CRIMES AND THEIR PUNISHMENT .. ...................................................................................Page 79 ARTICLE �. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY.

61-3-27 Maliciouskillingofanimalsbypoisonorotherwise;penalty

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ARTICLE �E. OFFENSES INVOLVING EXPLOSIVES.

61-3E-6 Causingdeathorinjurytoanexplosivesdetectionanimal;penalty

ARTICLE 8. CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY MORALITY AND DECENCY ..............................Page 80

61-8-19 Crueltytoanimals;penalties;exclusions

61-8-19a Animalfightingventuresprohibited61-8-19b Attendanceatanimalfightingventures

prohibited;penalty61-8-20 Keepingorusinglivebirdstobeshotat;penalty61-8-21 Searchwarrantsrelatingtocrueltytoanimals61-8-22 Searchwarrantsrelatingtobirdsandanimals

keptforfighting61-8-23 Searchwithoutwarrantwherethereisan

exhibitionofthefightingbirdsoranimals.

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WEST VIRGINIA State Animal Code Revision 20�4CHAPTER 5. GENERAL POWERS AND

AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNOR, SECRETARY OF STATE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL; BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS; MISCELLANEOUS AGENCIES,

COMMISSIONS, OFFICES, PROGRAMS, ETC. ARTICLE ��A. WEST VIRGINIA FAIR

HOUSING ACT.

5-11A-3. Definitions.Asusedinthisarticle:(a)“Commission”meanstheWestVirginiaHumanRightsCommission;(b)“Dwelling”meansanybuilding,structureorportionthereofwhichisoccupiedas,ordesignedorintendedforoccupancyas,aresidenceorsleepingplacebyoneormorepersonsorfamiliesandanyvacantlandwhichisofferedforsaleorleasefortheconstructionorlocationthereonofanysuchbuilding,structureorportionthereof;(c)“Family”includesasingleindividual;(d)“Person”includesoneormoreindividuals,corporations,partnerships,associations,labororganizations,legalrepresentatives,mutualcompanies,joint-stockcompanies,trusts,unincorporatedorganizations,trustees,trusteesincasesunderTitle11oftheUnitedStatesCode,receiversandfiduciaries;(e)“Torent”includestolease,tosublease,toletandotherwisetograntforaconsiderationtherighttooccupypremisesnotownedbytheoccupant;(f)“Discriminatoryhousingpractice”meansanactthatisunlawfulundersectionfive,six,sevenornineteenofthisarticle;(g)“Disability”means,withrespecttoaperson:(1)Aphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoreoftheperson’smajorlifeactivities;(2)Arecordofhavingsuchanimpairment;or(3)Beingregardedashavingsuchanimpairment,butthetermdoesnotincludecurrent,illegaluseoforaddictiontoacontrolledsubstance,asdefinedinSection102oftheControlledSubstancesAct,Title21,UnitedStatesCode,Section802;(h)“Aggrievedperson”includesanypersonwho:(1)Claimstohavebeeninjuredbyadiscriminatoryhousingpractice;or

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(2)Believesthatthepersonwillbeinjuredbyadiscriminatoryhousingpracticethatisabouttooccur;(i)“Complainant”meanstheperson,includingthecommission,whofilesacomplaintundersectionelevenofthisarticle;(j)“Familialstatus”means:(1)Oneormoreindividualswhohavenotattainedtheageofeighteenyearsbeingdomiciledwith:(A)Aparentoranotherpersonhavinglegalcustodyoftheindividualorindividuals;or(B)Thedesigneeoftheparentorotherpersonhavingcustodyoftheindividualwiththewrittenpermissionoftheparentorotherperson;or(2)Anypersonwhoispregnantorisintheprocessofsecuringlegalcustodyofanyindividualwhohasnotattainedtheageofeighteenyears;(k)“Conciliation”meanstheattemptedresolutionofissuesraisedbyacomplaintorbytheinvestigationofthecomplaintthroughinformalnegotiationsinvolvingtheaggrievedperson,therespondentandthecommission;(l)“Conciliationagreement”meansawrittenagreementsettingforththeresolutionoftheissuesinconciliation;(m)“Respondent”means:(1)Thepersonorotherentityaccusedinacomplaintofanunfairhousingpractice;and(2)Anyotherpersonorentityidentifiedinthecourseofinvestigationandnotifiedasrequiredwithrespecttorespondentsidentifiedundersubsection(a),sectionelevenofthisarticle;(n)Theterm“roominghouse”meansahouseorbuildingwherethereareoneormorebedroomswhichtheproprietorcanspareforthepurposeofgivinglodgingstopersonsheorshechoosestoreceive;and(o)Theterm“basicuniversaldesign”meansthedesignofproductsandenvironmentstobeuseablebyallpeople,tothegreatestextentpossible,withouttheneedforadaptationorspecialization.(p)“Assistanceanimal”meansanyservice,therapyorsupportanimal,weighinglessthanonehundredfiftypounds,withorwithoutspecifictrainingorcertification,thatworks,providesassistance,orperformstasksforthebenefitofapersonwithadisability,orprovidesemotionalsupportthatalleviateoneormoreidentifiedsymptomsoreffectsofaperson’sdisability.

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5-��A-5. Discrimination in sale or rental of housing and other prohibited practices.Asmadeapplicablebysectionfourofthisarticleandexceptasexemptedbysectionsfourandeightofthisarticle,itisunlawful:(a)Torefusetosellorrentafterthemakingofabonafideoffer,ortorefusetonegotiateforthesaleorrentalof,orotherwisemakeunavailableordeny,adwellingtoanypersonbecauseofrace,color,religion,ancestry,sex,familialstatus,blindness,disabilityornationalorigin;(b)Todiscriminateagainstanypersonintheterms,conditionsorprivilegesofsaleorrentalofadwelling,orintheprovisionofservicesorfacilitiesinconnectiontherewith,becauseofrace,color,religion,ancestry,sex,familialstatus,blindness,disabilityornationalorigin;(c)Tomake,printorpublish,orcausetobemade,printedorpublishedanynotice,statementoradvertisement,withrespecttothesaleorrentalofadwellingthatindicatesanypreference,limitationordiscriminationbasedonrace,color,religion,sex,blindness,disability,familialstatus,ancestryornationalorigin,oranintentiontomakeanysuchpreference,limitationordiscrimination;(d)Torepresenttoanypersonbecauseofrace,color,religion,sex,blindness,disability,familialstatus,ancestryornationaloriginthatanydwellingisnotavailableforinspection,saleorrentalwhenthedwellingisinfactavailable;(e)Forprofit,toinduceorattempttoinduceanypersontosellorrentanydwellingbyrepresentationsregardingtheentryorprospectiveentryintotheneighborhoodofapersonorpersonsofaparticularrace,color,religion,sex,blindness,disability,familialstatus,ancestryornationalorigin;or(f)(1)Todiscriminateinthesaleorrental,ortootherwisemakeunavailableordeny,adwellingtoanybuyerorrenterbecauseofadisabilityof:(A)Thatbuyerorrenter;(B)apersonresidinginorintendingtoresideinthatdwellingafteritissosold,rentedormadeavailable;or(C)anypersonassociatedwiththatbuyerorrenter.(2)Todiscriminateagainstanypersonintheterms,conditionsorprivilegesofsaleorrentalofadwelling,orintheprovisionofservicesorfacilitiesinconnectionwiththedwelling,becauseofadisabilityof:(A)Thatperson;(B)apersonresidinginorintendingtoresideinthatdwellingafteritissosold,rentedormadeavailable;or(C)anypersonassociatedwiththatperson.

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(3)Forpurposesofthissubdivision,discriminationincludes:(A)Arefusaltopermit,attheexpenseofthedisabledperson,reasonablemodificationsofexistingpremisesoccupiedortobeoccupiedbythepersonifthemodificationsmaybenecessarytoaffordthepersonfullenjoymentofthepremises,exceptthat,inthecaseofarental,thelandlordmaywhereitisreasonabletodosoconditionpermissionforamodificationontherenteragreeingtorestoretheinteriorofthepremisestotheconditionthatexistedbeforethemodification,reasonablewearandtearexcepted;(B)Arefusaltomakereasonableaccommodationsinrules,policies,practicesorserviceswhentheaccommodationsmaybenecessarytoaffordthepersonequalopportunitytouseandenjoyadwelling;or(C)InconnectionwiththedesignandconstructionofcoveredmultifamilydwellingsforfirstoccupancyafterthedatethatisthirtymonthsafterthedateofenactmentoftheWestVirginiaFairHousingAct,afailuretodesignandconstructthosedwellingsinamannerthat:(i)Thepublicuseandcommonuseportionsofthedwellingsarereadilyaccessibletoandusablebydisabledpersons;(ii)Allthedoorsdesignedtoallowpassageintoandwithinallpremiseswithinthedwellingsaresufficientlywidetoallowpassagebydisabledpersonsinwheelchairs;and(iii)Allpremiseswithinthedwellingscontainthefollowingfeaturesofadaptivedesign:(I)Anaccessiblerouteintoandthroughthedwelling;(II)lightswitches,electricaloutlets,thermostatsandotherenvironmentalcontrolsinaccessiblelocations;(III)reinforcementsinbathroomwallstoallowlaterinstallationofgrabbars;and(IV)usablekitchensandbathroomsthatanindividualinawheelchaircanmaneuveraboutthespace.(4)CompliancewiththeappropriaterequirementsoftheAmericanNationalStandardforBuildingsandFacilitiesProvidingAccessibilityandUsabilityforPhysicallyHandicappedPeople,commonlycitedasANSIA117.1,sufficestosatisfytherequirementsofsubparagraph(3)(C)(iii)ofthissubdivision.(5)(A)Ifaunitofgenerallocalgovernmenthasincorporatedintoitslawstherequirementssetforthinsubparagraph(3)(C)ofthissubdivision,compliancewiththoselawssatisfytherequirementsofthatsubparagraph.

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(B)Thecommissionorunitofgenerallocalgovernmentmayreviewandapprovenewlyconstructedcoveredmultifamilydwellingsforthepurposeofmakingdeterminationsastowhetherthedesignandconstructionrequirementsofsubparagraph(3)(C)ofthissubdivisionaremet.(C)Thecommissionshallencourage,butmaynotrequire,unitsoflocalgovernmenttoincludeintheirexistingproceduresforthereviewandapprovalofnewlyconstructedcoveredmultifamilydwellings,determinationsastowhetherthedesignandconstructionofsuchdwellingsareconsistentwithsubparagraph(3)(C)ofthissubdivision,andmayprovidetechnicalassistancetounitsoflocalgovernmentandotherpersonstoimplementtherequirementsofthatsubparagraph.(D)Nothinginthisarticlerequiresthecommissiontorevieworapprovetheplans,designsorconstructionofallcoveredmultifamilydwellingstodeterminewhetherthedesignandconstructionofthedwellingsareconsistentwiththerequirementsofsubparagraph(3)(C)ofthissubdivision.(6)(A)Nothinginparagraph(5)ofthissubdivisionaffectstheauthorityandresponsibilityofthecommissionoralocalpublicagencytoreceiveandprocesscomplaintsorotherwiseengageinenforcementactivitiesunderthisarticle.(B)Determinationsbyaunitofgenerallocalgovernmentundersubparagraphs(5)(A)and(B)ofthissubdivisionarenotconclusiveinenforcementproceedingsunderthisarticle.(7)Asusedinthissection,theterm“coveredmultifamilydwellings”means:(A)Buildingsconsistingoffourormoreunitsifthebuildingshaveoneormoreelevators;and(B)groundfloorunitsinotherbuildingsconsistingoffourormoreunits.(8)Nothinginthisarticleinvalidatesorlimitsanylawofthisstateoranypoliticalsubdivisionofthisstatethatrequiresdwellingstobedesignedandconstructedinamannerthataffordsdisabledpersonsgreateraccessthanisrequiredbythisarticle.(9)Thissectiondoesnotrequirethatadwellingbemadeavailabletoanindividualwhosetenancywouldconstituteadirectthreattothehealthorsafetyofotherindividualsorwhosetenancywouldresultinsubstantialphysicaldamagetothepropertyofothers.Theburdenofprovingsuchthreattohealthorsafetyorthelikelihoodofsuchdamageisupontherespondent.

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(10)Forthepurposesofthissubdivision,rules,policies,practicesorservicesregardinganimalsaresubjecttothereasonableaccommodationrequirementsofsubparagaph(B),paragraph(3)ofthissubdivisionandthefollowingprovisions:(A)Inconnectionwitharequestforreasonableaccommodationtotherules,policiesorservices,apersonwithadisabilitymayberequiredtosubmitdocumentation,fromaprofessionaltreatmentprovider,ofthedisabilityrelatedneedfortheassistanceanimal.(i)Suchdocumentationissufficientifitestablishesthattheassistiveanimalwillprovidesometypeofdisability-relatedassistanceoremotionalsupport.(ii)Apersonwithadisabilitymaynotberequiredtosubmitorprovideaccesstomedicalrecordsormedicalproviders,ortoprovidedetailedorextensiveinformationordocumentationofaperson’sphysicalormentalimpairments.(B)Apersonwithadisabilitymaybedeniedtheaccommodationofanassistanceanimalifthereiscredibleevidencethat:(i)Theassistanceanimalposesadirectthreattothehealthorsafetyofothersthatcannotbeeliminatedbyanotherreasonableaccommodation;or(ii)Theassistanceanimalwouldcausesubstantialphysicaldamagetothepropertyofotherthatcannotbereducedoreliminatedbyanotherreasonableaccommodation.(C)Adeterminationthatanassistanceanimalposesadirectthreatofharmtoothersorwouldcausesubstantialphysicaldamagetothepropertyofothersmustbebasedonanindividualizedassessmentthatreliesonobjectiveevidenceaboutthespecificanimal’sactualconduct.(D)Arequestforareasonableaccommodationmaynotbeunreasonablydenied,conditionedonpaymentofafeeordepositorothertermsandconditionsappliedtoapplicantsorresidentswithpets,andaresponsemaynotbeunreasonablydelayed.

5-��A-6. Discrimination in residential real estate-related transactions.(a)Itisunlawfulforanypersonorotherentitywhosebusinessincludesengaginginresidentialrealestate-relatedtransactionstodiscriminateagainstanypersoninmakingavailablesuchatransactionorinthetermsorconditions

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ofsuchatransactionbecauseofrace,color,religion,sex,blindness,disability,familialstatus,ancestryornationalorigin.(b)Asusedinthissection,theterm“residentialrealestate-relatedtransaction”meansanyofthefollowing:(1)Themakingorpurchasingofloansorprovidingotherfinancialassistance:(A)Forpurchasing,constructing,improving,repairingormaintainingadwelling;or(B)securedbyresidentialrealestate;or(2)Theselling,brokeringorappraisingofresidentialrealproperty.(c)Nothinginthisarticleprohibitsapersonengagedinthebusinessoffurnishingappraisalsofrealpropertytotakeintoconsiderationfactorsotherthanrace,color,religion,nationalorigin,ancestry,sex,blindness,disabilityorfamilialstatus. 5-��A-7. Discrimination in provision of brokerage services.Itisunlawfultodenyanypersonaccesstoormembershiporparticipationinanymultiplelistingservice,realestatebroker’sorganizationorotherservice,organizationorfacilityrelatingtothebusinessofsellingorrentingdwellings,ortodiscriminateagainsthimorherinthetermsorconditionsofsuchaccess,membershiporparticipationonaccountofrace,color,religion,sex,blindness,disability,familialstatus,ancestryornationalorigin.

CHAPTER 7. COUNTY COMMISSIONS AND OFFICERS.

ARTICLE �. COUNTY COMMISSIONS GENERALLY.

7-�-�4. Custody and care of animals abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated; animals causing public nuisance, health risk or safety hazard; authority of county commission.

(a)Notwithstandinganyprovisionofthiscodetothecontrary,anycountycommissionmayadoptordinances,rulesandregulationsprovidingforthecustodyandcareofanimalsthathavebeenabandoned,neglectedorcruellytreatedfortheprotectionofanysuchanimalandtopreventitfrombecomingapublicnuisanceorrisktopublichealthorsafetyortheenvironment.

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(b)Anysuchordinance,ruleorregulationmayrequireeachownertoprovideforeachofhisorheranimals:

(1)Adequatefoodwhichprovidessufficientquantityandnutritivevaluetomaintaineachanimalingoodhealth;

(2)Adequatewaterwhichprovideseasyaccesstoclean,fresh,potablewaterofadrinkabletemperatureinsufficientvolumeandsuitableintervalstomaintainnormalhydrationforeachanimal;

(3)Adequatesheltertoprotecttheanimalfromtheelementsandotheranimals;

(4)Adequatespaceintheprimaryenclosurefortheparticularanimaldependinguponitsage,size,speciesandweightwhichisregularlycleanedtopreventanunsanitaryaccumulationofurineandfeces;

(5)Adequateexercisetoassurethattheanimalmaintainsnormalmuscletoneandmassfortheage,species,sizeandconditionoftheanimal;and

(6)Veterinarycarewhenneededortopreventsufferingordiseasetransmission.

(c)Anysuchordinance,ruleorregulationmaylimitthenumberofanimalsowned,keptormaintainedbyanindividual,groupororganization,whetherpublicorprivatebasedontheperson’sabilitytoprovidefortheanimalsassetforthinsubsection(b)ofthissection.

(d)Anysuchordinance,ruleorregulationshallprovideappropriatepenaltiesforviolationsandshallauthorizehumaneofficerstotakepossessionofanyanimalthatisnotproperlycaredforasrequiredbysuchordinance,ruleorregulation.

ARTICLE �0. HUMANE OFFICERS.

7-10-1. Deputy sheriffs as humane officers.Thesheriffofeachcountyofthisstateshallannuallydesignate,byarecordmadeintheofficeoftheclerkofthecountycommission,oneofhisorherdeputiestoactashumaneofficerofthecounty;or,ifthecountycommissionandsheriffagree,thecountydogwardenmaybedesignatedtoactasthehumaneofficerorasanadditionalhumane

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officer;anypersondesignatedtoactasahumaneofficerandallpeaceofficersdesignatedbylawasahumaneofficeroranadditionalhumaneofficershallinvestigateallcomplaintsmadetohimorherofcruelorinhumanetreatmentofanimalswithinthecountyandheorsheshallpersonallyseethatthelawrelatingtothepreventionofcrueltytoanimalsisenforced.Thewillfulfailureofsuchdesigneetoinvestigateanycomplaintmadetohimorherandtotakepropermeasuresinsuchcaseortoperformhisorherdutyinanyotherrespectmayconstitutegoodcauseforremovalfromemployment.

7-10-2. Duty of humane officers; reporting requirement when abuse or neglect of individuals suspected; prohibition against interference with humane officers; penalties.(a)Itisthedutyofhumaneofficerstopreventtheperpetrationorcontinuanceofanyactofcrueltyuponanyanimalandtoinvestigateand,uponprobablecause,tocausethearrestandassistintheprosecutionofanypersonengaginginsuchcruelandforbiddenpractices.Uponreasonablecause,andasprovidedbylaw,suchofficershavetherighttoaccessandinspectionofrecordsandpropertyasmaybereasonablynecessarytoanyinvestigation.

(b)Wheneverahumaneofficer,pursuanttoaninvestigationofanimalcruelty,formsareasonablesuspicionthataminorchild,orincapacitatedorelderlyperson,isthevictimofabuseorneglectorhasasuspicionofdomesticviolence,heorsheshallreportthesuspicionandthegroundstherefor.Intheeventofsuspectedchildabuseorneglect,thehumaneofficershallreporttothelocalchildprotectiveservicesagencyoftheDepartmentofHealthandHumanResourcesinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsectionfive,articlesix-a,chapterforty-nineofthiscode.Intheeventofsuspectedabuseorneglectofanincapacitatedorelderlyperson,heorsheshallreporttothedepartment’slocaladultprotectiveservicesagencyinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsectioneleven,articlesix,chapternineofthiscode.Intheeventofsuspecteddomesticviolence,heorsheshallreporttotheStatePoliceinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofarticletwenty-seven,chapterforty-eightofthiscode.

(c)Anypersonwhointerfereswith,obstructsorresistsanyhumaneofficerinthedischargeofhisorherdutyisguilty

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ofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthanonehundrednormorethanfivehundreddollarsorconfinedinjailnotmorethanthirtydays,orbothfinedandconfined.Anypenaltiesimposedforaviolationofthissubsectionshallbeimposedinadditiontoanypenaltiesthepersonincursforcruelorinhumanetreatmentofanyanimal.

7-�0-�. Cruel treatment of animals drawing or in vehicle; custody and care thereof by humane officers.Whenanypersonarrestedis,atthetimeofsucharrest,inchargeofanyvehicledrawnbyorcontaininganyanimalcruellytreated,suchofficershalltakechargeofsuchanimalandofsuchvehicleanditscontents,andoftheanimaloranimalsdrawingthesame,andshall,ifthepersoninchargethereofbenottheowner,givenoticeofsuchseizuretotheowner,andprovideforthemuntiltheirownershalltakechargeofthesame;andifthepersoninchargeofordrivingsuchanimalsbetheownerthereof,thesameshallnotbereturnedtohimuntilhehasbeentriedfortheoffenseandacquitted,orifconvicted,untilheshallgivebondinthepenaltyoffivehundreddollarswithapprovedsecuritybeforethetribunaltryingthecaseconditionednottoagaincruellytreatsuchanimals;andtheofficershallhavealienuponsuchanimalsandthevehicleanditscontentsfortheexpensesofsuchcareandprovision,orsuchexpensesoranypartthereofremainingunpaidmayberecoveredbysuchhumaneofficerinacivilaction.

7-�0-4. Custody and care of animals abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated; hearing; bonds; liability for costs; liens; exclusions.(a)Subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsection(h)ofthissection,ahumaneofficershalltakepossessionofanyanimal,includingbirdsorwildlifeincaptivity,knownorbelievedtobeabandoned,neglected,deprivedofnecessarysustenance,shelter,medicalcareorreasonableprotectionfromfatalfreezingorheatexhaustionorcruellytreatedorusedasdefinedinsectionsnineteenandnineteen-a,articleeight,chaptersixty-oneofthiscode.

(b)Theownerorpersonsinpossession,ifhisorheridentityandresidenceareknown,ofanyanimalseizedpursuanttosubsection(a)ofthissectionshallbeprovidedwrittennoticeoftheseizure,hisorherliabilityforthecostandcareoftheanimalseizedasprovidedinthissectionandtheright

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torequestahearinginwritingbeforeamagistrateinthecountywheretheanimalwasseized.Themagistratecourtshallscheduleanyhearingrequestedwithintenworkingdaysofthereceiptoftherequest.Thefailureofanownerorpersoninpossessiontorequestahearingwithinfiveworkingdaysoftheseizureisprimafacieevidenceoftheabandonmentoftheanimal.Atthehearing,ifrequested,themagistrateshalldeterminebyapreponderanceoftheevidenceiftheanimalwasabandoned,neglectedordeprivedofnecessarysustenance,shelter,medicalcareorreasonableprotectionfromfatalfreezingorheatexhaustionorotherwisetreatedorusedcruellyassetforthinthissection.

(c)(1)Ifahearingisrequestedandthemagistratefindsbyapreponderanceoftheevidencethattheownerdidabandon,neglectorcruellytreattheanimal,orifnohearingisrequestedandthemagistratefindsbyapreponderanceoftheevidence,basedupontheaffidavitofthehumaneofficer,thattheownerdidabandon,neglectorcruellytreattheanimal,themagistrateshallenteranorderawardingcustodyoftheanimaltoanyhumaneofficerforfurtherdispositioninaccordancewithreasonablepracticesforthehumanetreatmentofanimals.Afterhearingtheevidence,ifthemagistrateisnotconvincedtheanimalwasneglectedorcruellytreated,heorshemaydismisstheactionandordertheanimalbereturnedtotheowner.Ifthemagistratefindsinfavorofthehumaneofficer,theowneroftheanimalshallpostabondwiththecourtinanamountsufficienttoprovideforthereasonablecostsofcare,medicaltreatmentandprovisionsfortheanimalforatleastthirtydays.Thebondshallbefiledwiththecourtwithinfivedaysfollowingthecourt’sfindingagainsttheowner.Attheendofthetimeforwhichexpensesarecoveredbytheoriginalbondiftheanimalremainsinthecareofthehumaneofficerandtheownerdesirestopreventdispositionoftheanimalbythehumaneofficer,theownershallpostanadditionalbondwiththecourtwithinfivedaysoftheexpirationoftheoriginalbond.Duringthisperiodthehumaneofficerisauthorizedtoplacetheanimalinasafeprivatehomeorothersafeprivatesettinginlieuofretainingtheanimalinananimalshelter.Thepersonwhoseanimalisseizedisliableforallcostsofthecareoftheseizedanimal.

(2)Ifabondhasbeenpostedinaccordancewithsubdivision(1)ofthissubsection,thecustodialanimalcareagencymay

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drawfromthebondtheactualreasonablecostsincurredbytheagencyinprovidingcare,medicaltreatmentandprovisionstotheimpoundedanimalfromthedateoftheinitialimpoundmenttothedateofthefinaldispositionoftheanimal.

(d)Anypersonwhoseanimalisseizedandagainstwhomthemagistrateentersafindingpursuanttothissectionisliableduringanyperioditremainsinthepossessionofthehumaneofficerforthereasonablecostsofcare,medicaltreatmentandprovisionsfortheanimalnotcoveredbythepostingofthebondasprovidedinsubdivision(1),subsection(c)ofthissection.Themagistrateshallrequirethepersonliableforthesecoststopostbondtoprovideforthemaintenanceoftheseizedanimal.Thisexpense,ifany,becomesalienontheanimalandmustbedischargedbeforetheanimalisreleasedtotheowner.Upondismissalorwithdrawalofthecomplaint,anyunusedportionofpostedbondsshallbereturnedtotheowner.Uponafindinginfavorofthehumaneofficer,allinterestintheimpoundedanimalshalltransfertothehumaneofficerfordispositioninaccordancewithreasonablepracticesforthehumanetreatmentofanimals.Anyadditionalexpenseabovethevalueoftheanimalmayberecoveredbythehumaneofficerorcustodialagency.

(e)Afterthehumaneofficertakespossessionoftheanimalpursuanttoafindingbyamagistratethattheanimalhasbeenabandoned,neglectedorcruellytreatedandalicensedveterinariandeterminesthattheanimalshouldbehumanelydestroyedtoenditssuffering,theveterinarianmayordertheanimaltobehumanelydestroyedandneitherthehumaneofficer,animaleuthanasiatechniciannortheveterinarianissubjecttoanycivilorcriminalliabilityasaresultoftheaction.

(f)(1)Theterm“humanelydestroyed”asusedinthissectionmeans:

(A)Humaneeuthanasiaofananimalbyhypodermicinjectionbyalicensedveterinarianorbyananimaleuthanasiatechniciancertifiedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofarticleten-a,chapterthirtyofthiscode;or

(B)AnyotherhumaneeuthanasiaprocedureapprovedbytheAmericanVeterinaryMedicalAssociation,theHumane

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SocietyoftheUnitedStatesortheAmericanHumaneAssociation.

(2)Theterm“humanelydestroyed”doesnotincludeeuthanizingananimalbymeansofagaschamber:Provided,Thatanycountywhichhasagaschamberinoperationasoftheeffectivedateofthissectionmaycontinuetooperatethegaschambersubjecttothefollowing:(1)Thegaschambershallbeoperatedbyananimaleuthanasiatechniciancertifiedpursuanttoarticleten-a,chapterthirtyofthiscode;and(2)thegaschambershallhavebeenmanufacturedandinstalledbyapersonwhoregularlymanufacturesandinstallsgaschambers.TheBoardofVeterinaryMedicineshallpromulgateemergencyrulesregardingtheinspectionofgaschambers,pursuanttosectionfifteen,articlethree,chaptertwenty-nine-aofthiscode.

(g)Incaseofanemergencyinwhichananimalcannotbehumanelydestroyedinanexpeditiousmanner,ananimalmaybedestroyedbyshootingif:

(1)Theshootingisperformedbysomeonetrainedintheuseoffirearmswithaweaponandammunitionofsuitablecaliberandothercharacteristicsdesignedtoproduceinstantaneousdeathbyasingleshot;and

(2)Maximumprecautionistakentominimizetheanimal’ssufferingandtoprotectotherpersonsandanimals.

(h)Theprovisionsofthissectiondonotapplytofarmlivestock,asdefinedinsubsection(d),sectiontwo,articleten-b,chapternineteenofthiscode;poultry,gamingfowlorwildlifekeptinprivateorlicensedgamefarmsifkeptandmaintainedaccordingtousualandacceptedstandardsoflivestock;poultry,gamingfowl,wildlifeorgamefarmproductionandmanagement;nortothehumaneuseofanimalsoractivitiesregulatedunderandinconformitywiththeprovisionsof7U.S.C.

2131,etseq.,andtheregulationspromulgatedthereunder.

(i)AllpersonsorentitiesinthestateperformingeuthanasiaunderthisarticleshallregisterwiththeBoardofVeterinaryMedicinebyDecember31,2009,inamannertobeprescribedbytheboard.TheBoardofVeterinaryMedicineshallpromulgateemergencyrulesrelatingtotheregistrationofthoseperforminganimaleuthanasia,pursuanttosection

2�

fifteen,articlethree,chaptertwenty-nine-aofthiscode.

7-�0-4a. Reporting of animals abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated; enforcement. (a)Itisthedutyofanylicensedveterinarianandtherightofanyotherpersontoreporttoahumaneofficeranyanimalfound,reasonablyknownorbelievedtobeabandoned,neglectedorcruellytreatedassetforthinthisarticle,andsuchveterinarianorotherpersonmaynotbesubjecttoanycivilorcriminalliabilityasaresultofsuchreporting.

(b)Anypersonwho,withforce,assaults,resists,orimpedesanyotherpersonengagedinthereportingofabandoned,neglectedorcruellytreatedanimalsasprovidedforinthissectionisguiltyofamisdemeanor,and,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthantwohundredfiftynormorethanonethousanddollars,orconfinedinthecountyjailnotmorethanoneyear,orbothsofinedandconfined.

7-�0-5. Destruction of animals.Anyhumaneofficeroranimalshelterlawfullymayhumanelydestroyorcausetobehumanelydestroyedanyanimalinamannerconsistentwiththeprovisionsofsectionfourofthisarticlewhen,inthejudgmentofthehumaneofficerordirectororsupervisorofananimalshelteranduponthewrittencertificateofaregularlylicensedveterinarysurgeon,theanimalappearstobeinjured,disabledordiseasedpastrecoveryortheanimalisunclaimed.

CHAPTER 9. HUMAN SERVICES. ARTICLE 6. SOCIAL SERVICES FOR ADULTS.

9-6-9. Mandatory reporting of incidences of abuse, neglect or emergency situation.(a)Ifanymedical,dentalormentalhealthprofessional,ChristianSciencepractitioner,religioushealer,socialserviceworker,law-enforcementofficer,humaneofficer,stateorregionalombudsmanoranyemployeeofanynursinghomeorotherresidentialfacilityhasreasonablecausetobelievethatanincapacitatedadultorfacilityresidentisorhasbeenneglected,abusedorplacedinanemergencysituation,orifsuchpersonobservesanincapacitatedadultorfacilityresidentbeingsubjectedtoconditionsthatarelikelytoresultinabuse,neglectoranemergencysituation,thepersonshallimmediatelyreportthecircumstancespursuanttotheprovisionsofsectionelevenofthisarticle:Provided,Thatnothinginthisarticle

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isintendedtopreventindividualsfromreportingontheirownbehalf.

(b)Inadditiontothosepersonsandofficialsspecificallyrequiredtoreportsituationsinvolvingsuspectedabuseorneglectofanincapacitatedadultorfacilityresidentortheexistenceofanemergencysituation,anyotherpersonmaymakesuchareport.

(c)Thesecretaryshalldevelopaformforthefilingofwrittencomplaints,asprovidedbysectionelevenofthisarticle,andprovidetheseformstoallnursinghomesorotherresidentialfacilities,hospitals,ombudsmenandadultprotectiveserviceagenciesinthisstate.Theformsshallbedesignedtoprotecttheidentityofthecomplainant,ifdesired,andtofacilitatethepromptfilingofcomplaints.9-6-9a. Mandatory reporting suspected of animal cruelty by adult protective service workers.Intheeventanadultprotectiveserviceworker,inresponsetoareportmandatedbysectionnineofthisarticle,formsareasonablesuspicionthatananimalisthevictimofcruelorinhumanetreatment,heorsheshallreportthesuspicionandthebasistherefortothecountyhumaneofficerprovidedundersectionone,articleten,chaptersevenofthiscodewithintwenty-fourhoursoftheresponsetothereport.

CHAPTER �9. AGRICULTURE. ARTICLE �C. CARE OF LIVESTOCK

�9-�C-4. Powers and duties of the board.

(a)Theboardhasthefollowingpowersanddutiesto:

(1)Establishstandardsgoverningthecareandwell-beingoflivestock;

(2)Maintainfoodsafety;

(3)Encouragelocallygrownandraisedfood;and

(4)ProtectWestVirginiafarmsandfamilies.

(b)Theboardisalsoauthorizedtoestablishstandardsbylegislativerule,pursuanttotheprovisionsofarticlethree,chaptertwenty-nine-aofthiscode,governingthecareandwell-beingoflivestockinthisstate,including:

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(1)Theagriculturalbestmanagementpracticesforthecareandwell-beingoflivestockandpoultryinthisstate;

(2)Proceduresforaddressingcomplaintsregardingtheinhumanetreatmentoflivestockandcoordinatingeffortswithcountyhumaneofficers;

(3)Biosecurity,diseaseprevention,animalmorbidityandmortalitydata;

(4)Foodsafetypractices;and

(5)Theprotectionoflocal,affordablefoodsuppliesforconsumers.ARTICLE �8. GENERAL STOCK LAW.

�9-�8-�. Livestock trespassing on property of another; damages for injuries to person or property; notice to livestock owner; containment of livestock; costs for containment.

(a)Iflivestockentersthepropertyofalandownerwithoutthatlandowner’sconsent,theownerofthelivestockisliablefordamagesforpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageinacivilactioninmagistrateorcircuitcourt.

(b)Thelandownermustattempttocontacttheownerofthetrespassinglivestockwithinforty-eighthoursofthetrespass.Iftheownercannotbecontactedwithinforty-eighthours,thelandownershallnotifythecountysheriff.

(c)Thelandownermaycontainthetrespassinglivestockonhisorherproperty,butisnotrequiredtodoso.Ifthelandownerisabletocontacttheownerofthetrespassinglivestockpursuanttosubsection(a)ofthissection,heorsheshallalsoinformtheownerofthecostsofcontainment.

(d)Theownerofthetrespassinglivestockandthelandownershallattempttomutuallyagreeuponafaircostforanycontainment.Afaircostforcontainmentisanamountwhichwouldbeallowedforthesheriffforcontainingsimilarlivestock.Ifthenegotiationfails,orifthelandownerisnototherwisereimbursedforthecostsforcontainment,thelandownermayseekmonetarydamagesinacivilactionforthesecosts.

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�9-�8-2. Unclaimed livestock; containment by sheriff; sheriff’s sale at public auction.

(a)Iftheowneroftrespassinglivestockcannotbedetermined,orifthetrespassinglivestockhasnotbeenrecoveredwithintendaysofnotifyingtheowner,thecountysheriffshalltakepossessionofthetrespassinglivestock.

(b)Thecountysheriffmayreturnthelivestocktoitsownerandseekreimbursementforcontainmentcosts.Ifattemptstoreturnthelivestocktotheownerfail,thesheriffmay,afterpublishingnoticeasaClassIlegaladvertisement,sellthelivestocktothehighestbidderatapubliclivestockauction.

(c)Theproceedsofthelivestocksaleshallbedistributedinthefollowingorder:

(1)Costsincidenttothesale;

(2)Costsofcontainmentincurredbythesheriffandthelandowner;

(3)Anyremainingamounttotheownerofthetrespassinglivestock;and

(4)Iftheownerisunknownordoesnotclaimtheamountremainingwithinninetydays,thatamountshallbedepositedintothecountytreasury.�9-�8-�. Criminal penalties for trespassing livestock.

(a)Whilelivestockmayescapeenclosuresduetoaccidentorunforeseencircumstances,itisunlawfulfortheowneroflivestocktonegligentlypermitlivestocktorunatlargeandtrespassonthepropertyofotherlandowners.

(b)Iflivestockinjuresapersonordestroysthepropertyofanotherpersonwhilenegligentlytrespassing,theownerofthelivestockshallbegivenanoralorwrittenwarningforthefirstoffense.Forasecondoffensewithinsixmonthsofthefirst,theownerisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthan$50normorethan$100.Forathirdorsubsequentoffensewithinsixmonthsofthesecondorsubsequentoffense,theownerisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthan$100normorethan$1,000.

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ARTICLE 20. DOGS AND CATS.

�9-20-�. Dogs subject to taxation; declared to be personal property. Anydogshallbeandisherebydeclaredtobepersonalpropertywithinthemeaningandconstructionofthelawsofthisstate,andanydogabovetheageofsixmonthsshallbesubjecttotaxation.

�9-20-2. Collection of head tax on dogs; duties of assessor and sheriff; registration of dogs; disposition of head tax; taxes on dogs not collected by assessor.Itshallbethedutyofthecountyassessorandhisorherdeputiesofeachcountywithinthisstate,atthetimetheyaremakingassessmentofthepersonalpropertywithinsuchcounty,toassessandcollectaheadtaxofthreedollarsoneachdog,maleorfemale;andinadditiontotheabove,theassessorandhisorherdeputiesshallhavethefurtherdutyofcollectinganysuchheadtaxondogsasmaybeleviedbytheordinancesofeachandeverymunicipalitywithinthecounty.However,noheadtaxmaybeleviedagainstanyguideorsupportdogespeciallytrainedforthepurposeofservingasaguide,leader,listenerorsupportforablindperson,deafpersonorapersonwhoisphysicallyormentallydisabledbecauseofanyneurological,muscular,skeletalorpsychologicaldisorderthatcausesweaknessorinabilitytoperformanyfunction.Guideorsupportdogsmustberegisteredasprovidedbythissection.Intheeventthattheowner,keeperorpersonhavinginhisorherpossessionorallowingtoremainonanypremisesunderhisorhercontrolanydogabovetheageofsixmonths,shallrefuseorfailtopaysuchtax,whenthesameisassessedorwithinfifteendaysthereafter,totheassessorordeputyassessor,thensuchassessorordeputyassessorshallcertifysuchtaxtothecountydogwarden;iftherebenocountydogwardenheorsheshallcertifysuchtaxtothecountysheriff,whoshalltakechargeofthedogforwhichthetaxisdelinquentandimpoundthesameforaperiodoffifteendays,forwhichserviceheorsheshallbeallowedafeeofonedollarandfiftycentstobechargedagainstsuchdelinquenttaxpayerinadditiontothetaxeshereinprovidedfor.Incasethetaxandimpoundingchargehereinprovidedforshallnothavebeenpaidwithintheperiodoffifteendays,thenthesheriffmayselltheimpoundeddoganddeducttheimpoundingchargeandthedelinquenttaxfromtheamountreceivedtherefore,andreturnthebalance,if

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any,tothedelinquenttaxpayer.Shouldthesherifffailtosellthedogsoimpoundedwithinthetimespecifiedherein,heorsheshallkillsuchdoganddisposeofitsbody.Atthesametimeastheheadtaxisassessed,theassessorandhisorherdeputiesshall,ontheformsprescribedundersectionfourofthisarticle,takedowntheage,sex,color,characterofhair(longorshort)andbreed(ifknown)andthenameandaddressoftheowner,keeperorharborerthereof.Whentheheadtax,andextracharges,ifany,arepaid,theofficertowhompaymentismadeshallissueacertificateofregistrationandaregistrationtagforsuchdog.Inadditiontotheassessmentandregistrationaboveprovidedfor,wheneveradogeitherisacquiredorbecomessixmonthsofageaftertheassessmentofthepersonalpropertyoftheowner,keeperorharborerthereof,thesaidowner,keeperorharborerofsaiddogshall,withintendaysaftertheacquisitionormaturation,registerthesaiddogwiththeassessor,andpaytheheadtaxthereonunlessthepriorowner,keeperorharborerpaidtheheadtax.AllcertificatesofregistrationandregistrationtagsissuedpursuanttotheprovisionsofthissectionshallbeissuedforthefiscalyearandshallbevalidfromthedateonwhichissueduntilthethirtiethdayofJuneofthatfiscalyear,oruntilreissuedbytheassessororhisorherdeputyintheregularperformanceofhisorherduties,butinnocaseshallpreviousregistrationtagsbevalidafterSeptemberthirtiethofthenextensuingfiscalyear.Theassessorcollectingtheheadtaxondogsshallbeallowedacommissionoftenpercentuponallsuchtaxescollectedbyhimorher,andshallturnintothecountytreasuryninetypercentofsuchtaxessocollected,asareleviedbythissection;andtheassessorshallturnovertothetreasurerorotherproperofficerofeachandeverymunicipalitywithinthecountyninetypercentofsuchtaxesleviedbytheordinancesofsuchmunicipality.Allsuchdogtaxes,exceptthosebelongingtomunicipalities,shallbeaccreditedtothedogandkennelfundprovidedforinsectiontenofthisarticle.Suchdogtaxesasarecollectedforandturnedovertomunicipalitiesshallbedepositedbytheproperofficerofsuchmunicipalitiestosuchfundandshallbeexpendedinsuchmannerasthelawofsuchmunicipalitymayprovide.Alltaxesondogsnotcollectedbytheassessorshallbecollectedbytheregulartaxcollectingofficerofthecountyandplacedtothecreditofthedogandkennelfund.

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�9-20-�. Registration of dog kennels; application; fee; expiration of certificate of registration. Everyowneroroperatorofakennel,whereindogsarebred,kept,boardedorsoldasacommercialventureforprofitshallannually,betweenthefirstdayofJulyandthethirtiethdayofSeptemberofeachyear,filewiththeassessorofthecountyinwhichsuchkennelislocated,keptormaintained,anapplicationfortheregistrationofsuchkennelforthefiscalyear.Suchapplicationshallstatethelocationofthekennel,thenameandaddressofthepersonactuallyinchargeofandsupervisingit,andthenameandaddressoftheownerofthekennel.Uponthefilingofsuchapplication,togetherwiththepaymenttotheassessorofafeeoftendollarstheassessorshallissueacertificateofregistrationforsuchkennel.Theregistrationofakennel,ashereinprovided,shallentitletheregistranttoregisterandreceivecertificatesandtagsfornotmorethanfivedogswithoutthepaymentofaseparateheadtaxonsuchdogs.Theheadtaxprovidedforinsectiontwoofthisarticleshall,onsuchfiveorlessdogs,beincludedinandchargedagainstthekennelregistrationfeehereinprovided.EverypersonuponbecomingtheowneroroperatorofakennelofdogsashereindescribedafterthethirtiethdayofSeptemberofanyyearshall,withinthreedaysafterbecomingsuchowneroroperator,registersuchkennelfortheremainderofthecurrentfiscalyearinthemanner,anduponthepaymentoftheregistrationfee,hereinprovided.Allcertificatesofregistrationissuedpursuanttotheprovisionsofthissectionshallbeissuedforthefiscalyear,andshallbevalidfromthedateonwhichissueduntilthethirtiethdayofJuneofthatfiscalyear.

�9-20-4. Forms for registration; records; registration tags; loss thereof. Thecommissionerofagricultureshallprescribetheformofallapplications,certificatesofregistration,andregistrationtagsrequiredbythisarticle.Certificatesofregistrationandregistrationtagsshallbearidentifyingnumbers.Apublicrecordofallcertificatesofregistrationandregistrationtagsissuedundertheprovisionsofthisarticleshallbekeptbytheassessorofeachcounty.Suchrecordshallbekeptintactandavailableforinspectionforaperiodofnotlessthantwoyearsfollowingtheendoftheregistrationyear.Registrationtagsshallbemadeofmetalorsomeothersuitablesubstanceofapermanentnature.Thedesign

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ofsuchtagsshallbechangedfromyeartoyearsothatidentificationoftheyearofissueofanytagmaybemadewithoutclosevisualexamination.Ifanyregistrationtagbelost,aduplicateshallbefurnishedbysuchassessoruponproperproofoflossandthepaymenttohimofafeeoftwenty-fivecents.

�9-20-5. Wearing of registration tag by dog. Everyregistereddogshallatalltimeswearavalidregistrationtagissuedasprovidedinthisarticle.Thefailuretohavedisplayedorwornonanydog,atanytime,ofsuchvalidtagshallbeprimafacieevidencethatsuchdogisnotregisteredandsuchdogshallbesubjecttobe,andshallbe,impounded,sold,ordestroyedashereinbeforeorhereinafterprovided.

�9-20-6. County dog warden; rules and regulations for dog control; prosecution and penalties for violation of ordinances. (a)Thecountycommissionofeachcountymayappointandemployacountydogwarden,andsuchnumberofdeputies,forsuchtime,andatsuchcompensation,assuchcountycommissionshalldeemreasonableandnecessarytoenforcetheprovisionsofthiscodewithrespecttothecontrolandregistrationofdogs,theimpounding,careanddestructionofunlicenseddogs.Suchcountydogwardenmaybeappointedadeputyassessorforthepurposeofcollectingthedogtaxandregistrationfees,takingthedogregistrationandprovidingthetagsauthorizedbythisarticle.Thecountydogwardenoranydeputiesmay,inthediscretionofthecountycommission,beregularlyemployedofficersoragentsofanyhumanesocietyorsocietyforthepreventionofcrueltytoanimals,organizedandoperatingunderthelawsofthisstateandowning,controllingandoperatingasuitableplacewithinthecountyforimpoundinganddestroyingdogs.Inadditiontothecompensationprovidedforabove,abountyoffiftycentsperdogshallbepaidtothecountydogwardenordeputywhocapturesanunregistereddog.Suchcountydogwardenanddeputywardensshalleachgivebondinasumofnotlessthanonethousanddollarsandnotmorethantwothousanddollarsconditionedonthefaithfulperformanceoftheirduties.Suchbondsshallbefiledwiththecountycommissionbywhichsuchpersonsareappointed.Thecountydogwardenandhisdeputiesshallpatrolthecountyinwhichtheyareappointedandshallseizeon

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sightandimpoundanydogmorethansixmonthsofagefoundnotwearingavalidregistrationtag,exceptdogskeptconstantlyconfinedinaregistereddogkennel.Theyshallberesponsibleforthepropercareandfinaldispositionofallimpoundeddogs.Thecountydogwardenshallmakeamonthlyreport,inwriting,tothecountycommissionofhiscounty.Whenanydogshallhavebeenseizedandimpounded,thecountydogwardenshallforthwithgivenoticetotheownerofsuchdog,ifsuchownerbeknowntothewarden,thatsuchdoghasbeenimpoundedandthatitwillbesoldordestroyedifnotredeemedwithinfivedays.Iftheownerofsuchdogbenotknowntothedogwarden,heshallpostanoticeinthecountycourthouse.Thenoticeshalldescribethedogandtheplacewhereseizedandshalladvisetheunknownownerthatsuchdogwillbesoldordestroyedifnotredeemedwithinfivedays.(b)Anycountycommissionmaypromulgateandenforcesuchordinances,rulesandregulations,notinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisarticle,asitconsidersnecessaryorconvenientforthecontrolandmanagementofalldogsinthecounty,oranyportionthereof,regardlessoftheageofanysuchdog:Provided,Thatthecountycommissionsmaypromulgateandenforcesuchordinances,rulesandregulationstotheextentnecessaryfortheimplementationoftheprovisionscontainedinthisarticle.(c)Thecountycommissionofeachcountymayprovideinsuchordinanceforthearrest,convictionandpunishmentofanypersonwhoviolatestheprovisionsthereof.Thecountycommissionofeachcountymayprovideinanysuchordinancethatanypersonwhoviolatestheprovisionsoftheordinanceisguiltyofamisdemeanor,and,uponconvictionthereof,thatsuchpersonissubjecttoafineorfines.Theamountofsuchfineforasingleviolationofanysuchordinancemaynotexceedonehundreddollars.Magistratecourtsandcircuitcourtsshallhaveconcurrentjurisdictionwithrespecttosuchmisdemeanors.

�9-20-6a. Authority of county commission to contract with private society, other county or municipality for the care and control of dogs and cats.Inadditiontothepowersgrantedtocountycommissionsbysectionsixofthisarticle,thecountycommissionofeachcountymaycontractwithorreimburseanyprivateincorporatedsocietyorassociation,countycommissionormunicipalityforthecare,maintenance,controlordestructionofdogsandcats.

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19-20-7. Dog pound and equipment to be provided by county court [county commission]; exception.Thecountycourtofeachcounty,ifthecourtappointsacountydogwarden,shallprovidethedogwardenwithnetsandothersuitabledevicesfortakingdogsinahumanemanner,andwithfacilitiesfortransportinganydogseizedtothedogpound,asuitableplaceforimpoundingdogswithproperprovisionsfortheirfeedingandcare,andhumaneequipment,devicesandmethodsfordestroyingdogs:Provided,Thatinanycountyinwhichthereisasocietyforthepreventionofcrueltytoanimalsorahumanesociety,incorporatedandorganizedunderthelawsofthisstate,andhavingoneormoredulyappointedagents,andmaintainingananimalhomeorsheltersuitableforimpoundingdogsandpossessingdevicesforhumanelydestroyingdogs,thecountycourtshallnotberequiredtoprovideadogpound,butitmaydesignatesuchanimalhomeorshelterasthecountydogpound,andthecountydogwardenshallinsuchcasedeliveralldogsseizedbyhimandhisdeputiestosuchanimalhomeorshelterforimpoundinganddispositioninthemannerprovidedbythisarticle.Thecountycourtshallprovideforthepaymentofreasonablecompensation,nottoexceedthefeesandcostsprovidedforinthisarticle,tosuchsocietyfortheuseofitsfacilitiesandservicesinimpoundinganddisposingofdogs.Suchcompensationtosuchsocietyshallbepaidfromthefundprovidedforinthisarticle.

�9-20-8. Impounding and disposition of dogs; costs and fees.(a)Alldogsseizedandimpoundedasprovidedinthisarticle,exceptdogstakenintocustodyundersectiontwoofthisarticle,shallbekepthousedandfedinthecountyormunicipalshelterforfivedaysafternoticeofseizureandimpoundinghasbeengivenorpostedasrequiredbythisarticle,attheexpirationofwhichtimealldogswhichhavenotpreviouslybeenredeemedbytheirownersasprovidedinthisarticle,shallbesoldorhumanelydestroyed.Nodogsoldasprovidedinthissectionmaybedischargedfromthecountyormunicipalshelteruntilthedoghasbeenregisteredandprovidedwithavalidregistrationtag.

(b)(1)Theterm“humanelydestroyed”asusedinthissectionmeans:

(A)Humaneeuthanasiaofananimalbyhypodermic

��

injectionbyalicensedveterinarianorbyananimaleuthanasiatechniciancertifiedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofarticleten-a,chapterthirtyofthiscode;or

(B)AnyotherhumaneeuthanasiaprocedureapprovedbytheAmericanVeterinaryMedicalAssociation,theHumaneSocietyoftheUnitedStatesortheAmericanHumaneAssociation.

(2)Theterm“humanelydestroyed”doesnotincludeeuthanizingadogorcatbymeansofagaschamber:Provided,Thatanycountywhichhasagaschamberinoperationasoftheeffectivedateofthissectionmaycontinuetooperatethegaschambersubjecttothefollowing:(1)Thegaschambershallbeoperatedbyananimaleuthanasiatechniciancertifiedpursuanttoarticleten-a,chapterthirtyofthiscode;and(2)thegaschambershallhavebeenmanufacturedandinstalledbyapersonwhoregularlymanufacturesandinstallsgaschambers.TheBoardofVeterinaryMedicineshallpromulgateemergencyrulesregardingtheinspectionofgaschambers,pursuanttosectionfifteen,articlethree,chaptertwenty-nine-aofthiscode.

(c)Inanemergencyorinasituationinwhichadogcannotbehumanelydestroyedinanexpeditiousmanner,adogmaybedestroyedbyshootingif:

(1)Theshootingisperformedbysomeonetrainedintheuseoffirearmswithaweaponandammunitionofsuitablecaliberandothercharacteristicsdesignedtoproduceinstantaneousdeathbyasingleshot;and

(2)Maximumprecautionistakentominimizethedog’ssufferingandtoprotectotherpersonsandanimals.

(d)Theowner,keeperorharborerofanydogseizedandimpoundedundertheprovisionsofthisarticlemay,atanytimepriortotheexpirationoffivedaysfromthetimethatnoticeoftheseizureandimpoundingofthedoghasbeengivenorpostedasrequiredbythisarticle,redeemthedogbypayingtothedogwardenorhisorherauthorizedagentordeputyallofthecostsassessedagainstthedogandbyprovidingavalidcertificateofregistrationandregistrationtagforthedog.

(e)Reasonablecostsandfees,inanamounttobe

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determined,fromtimetotime,bythecountycommission,shallbeassessedagainsteverydogseizedandimpoundedundertheprovisionsofthisarticle,exceptdogstakenintocustodyundersectiontwoofthisarticle.Thecostshallbeavalidclaiminfavorofthecountyagainsttheowner,keeperorharborerofanydogseizedandimpoundedundertheprovisionsofthisarticleandnotredeemedorsoldasprovidedinthissectionandthecostsshallberecoveredbythesheriffinacivilactionagainsttheowner,keeperorharborer.

(f)Arecordofalldogsimpounded,thedispositionofthedogsandastatementofcostsassessedagainsteachdogshallbekeptbythedogwardenandatranscriptthereofshallbefurnishedtothesheriffquarterly.

(g)AllpersonsorentitiesinthestateperformingeuthanasiaunderthisarticleshallregisterwiththeBoardofVeterinaryMedicinebyDecember31,2009,inamannertobeprescribedbytheboard.TheBoardofVeterinaryMedicineshallpromulgateemergencyrulesrelatingtotheregistrationofthoseperforminganimaleuthanasia,pursuanttosectionfifteen,articlethree,chaptertwenty-nine-aofthiscode.

�9-20-8a. Joint ownership, etc., by counties and municipalities of dog pounds; joint employment of dog wardens.Thecountycourtofanycountymaycontractwithanymunicipalitywithinthecountyforthejointownership,leasing,operationandmaintenancewithinthecountyofadogpoundandmayjointlyemployadogwardenordogwardens.

�9-20-9. Failure to register dog or kennel;alterationorforgingofregistrationcertificateortag;penalties.Anypersonwhoowns,keeps,orharborsadog,orwhoownsoroperatesakennel,subjecttoregistrationundertheprovisionsofthisarticle,andwhofails,refuses,orneglectstoregistersuchdogorkennel,shallbeguiltyofamisdemeanoranduponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthantwenty-fivenormorethanonehundreddollars.Anypersonwhoshallalter,orforgeanycertificateortag,providedforinthisarticle,ordisplay,present,oruttersuchcertificateasvalidwithknowledgethatithasbeenalteredorforged,orwhoknowinglycausesorpermitsanydogowned,keptorharboredbyhimtowearanyfictitious,

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altered,orinvalidregistrationtaginplaceofavalidtagasrequiredundertheprovisionsofthisarticle,shallbeguiltyofamisdemeanor,anduponconvictionthereof,shallbepunishedbyimprisonmentinthecountyjailfornotmorethanthirtydaysorbyafineofnotlessthanonehundreddollarsnormorethanfivehundreddollars,orbybothsuchfineandimprisonment.

�9-20-9a. Dogs, cats, etc.; rabies observation.(a)Anypersonwhoownsorharborsanydog,catorotherdomesticatedanimal,whetherlicensedorunlicensed,whichbitesanyperson,shallforthwithconfineandquarantinetheanimalforaperiodoftendaysforrabiesobservation.(b)Ifanyunvaccinateddomesticatedanimalisbittenbyarabidanimal,theownershallconfinethebittenanimalforaperiodofsixmonths.Theanimalshallbevaccinatedorrevaccinatedafterfivemonths.(c)Iftheanimalisnotconfinedandquarantinedasdirectedinsubsections(a)and(b)ofthissection,thehumaneofficer,dogwardenorsheriffmaycausetheanimaltobeplacedinthecustodyandcareofalicensedveterinarianforthatpurposeattheowner’sexpense.Thepenaltyforanyviolationofthissectionisafineoffiftydollarsorconfinementinthecountyorregionaljailforaperiodofnolessthantwonormorethanthreedays.

�9-20-�0. Dog and kennel fund; disposition thereof. Allregistrationfees,headtaxes,andfeesandcostsforimpoundinganddisposingofdogs,asprovidedinthisarticle,andcollectedthereunder,shallbepaidintothecountytreasurywheretheyshallconstituteandbesetasideasaspecialfundtobedesignatedthe“dogandkennelfund.”Thecountycommissionshallexpendsuchfund,andissuedraftspayabletherefrom,forthefollowingpurposes,andnoothers:Topaytheactualexpensesincurredbythecountycommission,thecountyassessor,andthesheriffincarryingouttheprovisionsofthisarticle;topayfortheservicesofthedogwarden,hisdeputies,poundkeepers,andsuchotherpersonsasmaybeemployed,ifany,ormayrenderservices,inactuallycarryingouttheprovisionsofthisarticle;topayinitsdiscretiontothedogwardenandhisdeputiesmileageattherateuptofifteencentspermilefortheuseoftheirprivatelyownedvehiclesactuallyusedincarryingouttheprovisionsofthisarticle;topayforthepurchase,procurement,rental,construction,operation,maintenance

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andrepairofanyproperty,devicesorfacilitiesreasonablynecessaryandrequiredtocarryouttheprovisionsofthisarticle;tocompensateanydepartmentofthestategovernmentoranylocalboardofhealthforanynecessaryservicerenderedinconnectionwiththisarticle;topaythecostsofanyrabiescontrolprojectorprogramauthorizedbylaw;tocompensateanypersonswhohavesufferedlossordamageonaccountofthedestruction,loss,orinjurybydogsofanysheep,lamb,goat,kidorpoultry,whensuchclaimshavebeenprovedandallowedasprovidedinthisarticle:Provided,however,Thatsuchcompensationauthorizedbythecountycommissionshallnotexceedanamountdoubletheassessedvalueofthedestroyedorinjuredanimalsorpoultryasshownontheassessor’srecords,andintheeventsuchanimalsarenotassessed,thencompensationauthorizedbysaidcourtshallnotexceedtheaverageassessedvalueoflikeanimalsorpoultry,orifnolikeanimalorpoultryisassessed,thennottoexceedthefairmarketvalueasdeterminedbythecountycommission.Intheeventthatthedogandkennelfundshallinanyyearbeinsufficienttopaytheseveralitemssetforthinthissection,thenthecountycommissionmaybe,anditishereby,authorizedandempoweredtopaysuchitemsoutofthecountygeneralfund.Anysurplusofthedogandkennelfundremainingunexpendedinthecountytreasury,and,intheopinionofthecountycommission,notneededforthepaymentandsatisfactionofclaimsandexpensesashereinprovided,shallannuallybepaidintoandcreditedtothecountyschoolfund,butthefundsthususedshallbeinanamountdeemedproperandsafeinthejudgmentanddiscretionofthecountycommission.

�9-20-��. Assessment of dogs as personal property. Inadditiontotheheadtaxondogsprovidedforinthisarticle,theownerofanydogabovetheageofsixmonthsshallbepermittedtoplaceavalueonsuchdogandhavesuchdogassessedaspersonalpropertyinthesamemannerandatthesamerateasotherpersonalproperty.

�9-20-�2. Dogs, other animals and reptiles protected by law; unlawful killing thereof; aggrieved owner’s remedy; penalties; penalties for unlawful stealing of companion animals.(a)Anydogwhichisregistered,keptandcontrolledasprovidedinthisarticleoranydog,catorotheranimal

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oranyreptilewhichisowned,keptandmaintainedasacompanionanimalbyanyperson,irrespectiveofage,isprotectedbylaw;and,exceptasotherwiseauthorizedbylaw,anypersonwhoshallintentionally,knowinglyorrecklesslykill,injure,poisonorinanyothermanner,causethedeathorinjuryofanydog,cat,otheranimaloranyreptileisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbeorderedtoprovidepublicservicefornotlessthanthirtynormorethanninetydaysorfinednotlessthanthreehundreddollarsnormorethanfivehundreddollars,orboth.However,thissectiondoesnotapplytoadogwhoiskilledwhileattackingaperson,acompanionanimalorlivestock.Anypersonwhosedog,cat,otheranimalorreptileasspecifiedhereiniskilledorinjuredwrongfullyorunlawfullybyanyotherpersonshallhavearightofactionagainstthepersonwhoshallsokillorinjureanydog,cat,animalorreptile.(b)Anypersonwhoshallintentionallyandunlawfullystealadog,cat,otheranimalorreptileasspecifiedinsubsection(a)ofthissectionisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbeorderedtoprovidepublicservicefornotlessthanthirtynormorethanninetydaysorfinednotlessthanthreehundrednormorethanfivehundreddollars,orboth.Anypersonviolatingtheprovisionsofthissubsectionshall,forsecondorsubsequentoffense,beguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbeconfinedinthecountyorregionaljailforaperiodofnotlessthanninetydaysnormorethansixmonths,orshallbeorderedtoprovidepublicservicefornotmorethanoneyear,andfinednotlessthanonethousanddollars.Innocasecananyactionorprosecutionrelatingtoadogundertheprovisionsofthissectionbemaintainedifthedogconcernedshallnothavebeendulyregisteredpursuanttotheprovisionsofthisarticleorownedandkeptpursuanttotheprovisionsofthissectionorownedandkeptpursuanttotheprovisionsofthissectionatthetimethecauseofactionshallhavearisen.(c)Nopersonotherthantheownerofaregistereddogmayremoveatag,collarorotheridentifyingapparelfromtheregistereddog,norremoveorturnoffaradiotransmittingcollarontheregistereddog,withoutthepermissionoftheowner,unlessremovalofthetag,collarorapparelisnecessarytopreventortreataninjurytothedogorisdonebyalaw-enforcementofficerforalegitimatelaw-enforcementpurpose.Anypersonwhointentionallyremovesatag,collarorotherapparelfromaregistereddog

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inviolationoftheprovisionsofthissubsectionisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbeorderedtoprovidecommunityservicefornotlessthaneighthoursnormorethanfortyhoursorfinednotlessthanfiftydollarsnormorethanonehundredfiftydollars,orboth.

(d)Thecommissionerofagricultureisherebyauthorizedtodesignateareasonablenumberofhispresentemployeesasmaybenecessarytoinvestigateallegedincidentsoftheunlawfulstealingofdogs,otherdomesticanimalsorreptiles,allegedincidentsofcrueltytoanimalsorreptilesandtheallegedincidentsoftheunlawfulstealingofanimalsorreptilesforthepurposeofsaletomedicalorotherresearchcompanies.Thedeputiesshallmaketheresultsoftheirinvestigationsknowntoanylaw-enforcementofficerswhohaveauthoritytoenforcetheprovisionsofthisarticle.(e)ItshallbethedutyofallmembersoftheWestVirginiastatepolice,sheriffsandpoliceofficerstoaidintheenforcementoftheprovisionsofthisarticleand,forservicesrenderedintheenforcementthereof,suchpersonsshallbeentitledtofeesintheamountssetforthinsectioneight.Thefeesshallbepaidbythecountycommissionfromthedogandkennelfund.

�9-20-��. Dog running at large; liability of owner. Anyownerorkeeperofanydogwhopermitssuchdogtorunatlargeshallbeliableforanydamagesinflicteduponthepersonorpropertyofanotherbysuchdogwhilesorunningatlarge.

�9-20-�4. Dog killing, wounding or worrying livestock or poultry - recovery of damages. Ifanydoghaskilledorassistedinkilling,woundingorworryinganysheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horses,coltsorpoultryoutoftheenclosureoftheownerofthedog,theownerorkeeperofthedogshallbeliableforthesheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horses,coltsorpoultryintheamountofthedamagessustained,toberecoveredinanactionbeforeanycourtormagistratehavingjurisdictionoftheaction.Itshallnotbenecessarytosustaintheactiontoprovethattheownerofthedogknewthedogwasaccustomedtoworrying,killingorwounding.Arecoveryunderthissectionshallbarandprecludetheownerofthesheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horses,coltsorpoultryfrom

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obtainingcompensationfromthecountycommissionundertheprovisionsofthisarticle.Ifthepersonsufferingthelossordamagecannotascertaintheownerorkeeperofthedog,oriftheownerorkeeperisnotfinanciallyresponsible,thenthepersonsufferingthelossordamagemayfilehisclaimwithandprovethesamebeforethecountycommissionofthecountyinwhichthelossordamageissustained,inthemannerprovidedinthisarticle,andthecommissionshallpaythelossordamageoutofthefundprovidedforsuchpurposesandaccordingtotheprovisionsofthisarticle.Whencompensationissoobtainedfromthecountycommission,thecountycommissionisauthorizedtosueunderthissectionandrecoverastheownerofthesheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horses,coltsorpoultry.Theamountsorecoveredshallbepaidintothecountytreasury;butnosuitshallbecommencedunlessauthorizedbythecountycommission.

�9-20-�5. Same - Assessment of damages; appraisers. Authorityisherebygiventomagistratesandnotariespublicwithinthisstate,andwithintheirrespectivejurisdictions,tosummonthreesubstantial,uprightandworthybonafideresidents,citizensandtaxpayersofhiscountytoassessthedamagessufferedbyanypersononaccountofthedestruction,lossorinjuryofanysheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horses,coltsorpoultrybydogswithinthecounty.Theappraisersshallbeappointedupontherequestofapersonsufferingdamagesonaccountofsuchdestruction,lossorinjury.Theappraisersshallgouponthegroundandinvestigatefullytheextentofthedestruction,lossorinjury,takingalltheevidencedeemednecessarytoarriveatthefactstobepasseduponinarrivingattheamountofdamage,ifany,sufferedbythepartymakingthecomplaint.Beforetheappraisersmaybesummonedbythemagistrateornotarypublic,thecomplainantshallberequiredtomakeasworncomplaintbeforethemagistrateornotarypublic,settingoutinplain,easilycomprehensibletermsthefactsconcerninghisdamagestothebestofhisknowledge.Aftermakingafullinvestigationofthefactsinvolved,theappraisers,withtheassistanceofthemagistrateornotarypublic,shallmakeaswornstatementandreportthefactsascertainedandthedamagessuffered.Thereportandstatementshallbefiledwiththecountycommissionortheclerkthereofinvacation.Thefeesandmileageforservicesallowedinsuchcasesshallbethesameasareallowedmagistrates,witnessesand

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arbitratorsinmagistrates’courtsinthisstateforsimilarservices.Intheeventthattheappraisersfindthatthecomplainanthassufferednodamage,thenthecomplainantshallberesponsibleforandpayallthecostsandexpensesoftheproceeding.Intheeventthatthecomplainanthassuffereddamagesonaccountofthedestruction,lossorinjuryofhisdomesticanimals,accordingtothefindingoftheappraisers,theowner,keeperorpersonpermittingthedog,ordogs,causingthedamagetoremainuponthepremisesunderhiscontrolshallbeliableforalldamagessustainedbythecomplainant,includingallcostsandnecessaryexpenses.Allofthedamagesshallbecollectiblebyanactionatlawbeforeanycourtormagistratehavingjurisdictionofthematter.Allpapersinconnectionwithanyclaimshallbefiledandpreservedintheofficeoftheclerkofthecountycommission.

�9-20-�6. Same - When lawful to kill dog. Apersonmaykilladogthathemayseechasing,worrying,woundingorkillinganysheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horses,coltsorpoultryoutsideoftheenclosureoftheownerofthedog,unlessthechasingorworryingbedonebythedirectionoftheownerofthesheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbitsorhorsesandcoltsorpoultry.

�9-20-�7. Same - Unlawful to harbor dog; penalty. Apersonwhoshallharbororsecreteoraidinsecretingadogwhichheknowsorhasreasonstobelievehasworried,chasedorkilledanysheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horses,coltsorpoultrynotthepropertyoftheownerofthedog,outofhisenclosure,orknowinglypermitsthesametobedoneonanypremisesunderhiscontrol,isguiltyofamisdemeanor,and,uponconvictionthereof,beforeanycourtormagistratehavingjurisdictionthereofinthecountyinwhichtheoffenseiscommitted,shallbefinednotlessthantendollarsnormorethanfiftydollars,and,atthediscretionofthecourtormagistrate,imprisonedinthecountyjailnotmorethanthirtydays.Eachdaythatthedogisharbored,keptorsecretedshallconstituteaseparateoffense.

�9-20-�8. Same - Duty of owner to kill dog; proceeding before magistrate on failure of owner to kill. Theownerorkeeperofadogthathasbeenworrying,

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wounding,chasingorkillinganysheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horses,coltsorpoultrynotthepropertyoftheownerorkeeper,outofhisenclosure,shall,withinforty-eighthours,afterhavingreceivednoticethereofinwritingfromareliableandtrustworthysource,underoath,killthedogordirectthatthedogbekilled.Iftheownerorkeeperrefusestokillthedogashereinbeforeprovided,themagistrate,uponinformation,shallsummontheownerorkeeperofthedog,and,afterreceivingsatisfactoryproofthatthisdogdidthemischief,shallissueawarrantonapplicationbeingmadebytheownerofthesheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horses,orcoltsorpoultrykilled;andgiveitintothehandsofthesheriff,whoshallkillthedogforthwithordisposeofbyotheravailablemethods.Thecostoftheproceedingsshallbepaidbytheownerorkeeperofthedogsokilled,includingafeeoffiftycentstotheofficerkillingthedog.Theownerorkeeperofthedogsokilledshall,inadditiontothecosts,beliabletotheownerofthesheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horses,coltsorpoultryortothecountycommissionforthevalueofthesheep,lambs,goats,kids,calves,cattle,swine,showorbreedingrabbits,horsesorcoltsorpoultrysokilledorinjured.

�9-20-�9. Offenses; criminal penalties; jurisdiction. Apersonwhoviolatesanyoftheprovisionsofthisarticleforwhichnospecificpenaltyisprescribedisguiltyofamisdemeanor,and,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotmorethanonehundreddollars,orimprisonedinthecountyjailnotmorethanthirtydays,orbothfinedandimprisoned.Magistratesshallhaveconcurrentjurisdictionwiththecircuitcourtstoenforcethepenaltiesprescribedbythisarticle.

�9-20-�9a. Dog warden and deputy dog wardens; power to issue citations.Thecountycommissionmay,atitsdiscretion,empowercountydogwardensanddeputydogwardenstoissuecitationsforviolationofprovisionsofthisarticle.

19-20-20. Keeping vicious dogs; humane officers may kill such dogs. Exceptasprovidedinsectiontwenty-oneofthisarticle,nopersonshallown,keeporharboranydogknownbyhimtobevicious,dangerous,orinthehabitofbitingor

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attackingotherpersons,whetherornotsuchdogwearsatagormuzzle.Uponsatisfactoryproofbeforeacircuitcourtormagistratethatsuchdogisvicious,dangerous,orinthehabitofbitingorattackingotherpersonsorotherdogsoranimals,thejudgemayauthorizethehumaneofficertocausesuchdogtobekilled.

�9-20-2�. License fee for keeping vicious or dangerous dog.Anypersonwhokeepsadogwhichisgenerallyconsideredtobevicious,forthepurposeofprotection,shallacquireaspeciallicensethereforefromthecountyassessor.Theassessorshallchargetendollarsforsuchlicense.Suchlicenseshallberequiredinadditiontothelicenserequiredundersectiontwoofthisarticle.Thekeeperorownershallproperlysecuresuchdoginsuchamannersoastopreventinjurytoapersonwholawfullypassesthroughorentersuponthepropertyofthekeeperorowner.Nothingcontainedinthissectionshallconstituteadefensetoanyactionforpersonalinjury,wrongfuldeathordamagetoproperty.

19-20-22. Confinement of female dogs. Everypersonowningorharboringafemaledog,whetherlicensedorunlicensed,shallkeepsuchdogconfinedinabuildingorsecureenclosurefortwenty-fivedaysduringtheperiodofestrus.

�9-20-2�. Prohibition of the use of impounded dogs and cats.OnandafterthefirstdayofSeptember,onethousandninehundredeighty-nine,anydogorcatimpoundedundertheprovisionsofthisarticlemaynotbesold,given,transferredorotherwisemadeavailabledirectlyorindirectlytoanyperson,institution,corporationorotherentityforuseineducationalorscientificresearchorrelatedactivities.Dispositionofimpoundeddogsorcatsmayonlybebyadoptionaspetsorhumanelydestroyed.Anypersonwhoviolatestheprovisionsofthissectionisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthanfourhundredfiftydollarsnormorethantwothousanddollars.

�9-20-24. Causing death or injury to animals used by law-enforcement officials or by fire prevention or investigation officials; criminal penalties.

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Anypersonwho,withoutjustification,andwiththeunlawfulintenttoinflictseriousphysicalinjuryordeath,causesthedeathofanytraineddogorhorseusedbylaw-enforcementofficials,thedepartmentofmilitaryaffairsandpublicsafetyorbyfirepreventionorinvestigationofficialsintheperformanceoftheirofficialdutiesisguiltyofafelonyand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthanfivehundreddollarsnormorethanonethousanddollarsandimprisonedinthepenitentiaryforadefinitetermofnotmorethanthreeyears.

Anypersonwho,withoutjustification,willfullyandunlawfullycausesphysicalinjurytoanytraineddogorhorseusedbylaw-enforcementofficials,thedepartmentofmilitaryaffairsandpublicsafetyorbyfirepreventionorinvestigationofficialsintheperformanceoftheirofficialdutiesisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotmorethanfivehundreddollars,orconfinedinthecountyjailnotmorethansixmonths,orboth.

Anypersonconvictedofaviolationofthissectionshallbeorderedtomakerestitutiontothelaw-enforcementagency,thedepartmentofmilitaryaffairsandpublicsafetyortothestatefiremarshalorotherfirepreventionorinvestigationdepartmentoragencyowningtheanimalforanyveterinarybillsandreplacementcostsofanydisabledorkilledanimal.

�9-20-25. Retirement, transfer or disposal of state owned dogs and horses.(a)Wheneveranydogorhorse,whichisthepropertyofthestate,isunabletoperformitsdutiesasaserviceanimal,theresponsiblegovernmentalagencymay:(1)TransferownershipofthedogorhorsetoanothergovernmentalagencywithinWestVirginia;(2)Transferownershipofthedogorhorsetotheanimal’shandler;(3)Transferownershipofthedogorhorsetoapersonwhowishestomaintaintheanimal;or(4)Transferthedogorhorsetothecareandcustodyofanyanimalshelter,humanesocietyorsocietyforthepreventionofcrueltytoanimals,organizedandoperatingunderthelawsofthisstate,sothatthedogorhorsemaybeadopted.Iftheanimalshelter,humanesocietyorsocietyforthepreventionofcrueltytoanimalsdeterminesthatthedogorhorseisnotsuitableforadoption,thentheanimalmay

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behumanelyeuthanizedbyapersonlicensedundertheprovisionsofarticletenorten-a,chapterthirtyofthiscode.(b)Intheeventownershipofadogorhorseistransferredpursuanttosubdivision(2),(3)or(4),subsection(a)ofthissection,thetransferdocumentsmustincludeprovisions,signedbythepersonacceptingownershipofthedogorhorse,whichholdthestateharmlessfromanyliabilityafterthedateoftransfer.

�9-20-26. Commercial dog-breeding operations.

(a)Asusedinthissection:

(1)“Advertisement”meansanymediausedtopromotethesaleofdogsincluding,butnotlimitedto,theInternet,newspapers,flyers,magazines,radio,television,bulletinsandsigns.

(2)“Commercialdogbreeder”meansanypersonwho:

(A)Maintainselevenormoreunsterilizeddogsovertheageofoneyearfortheexclusivepurposeofactivelybreeding;

(B)Isengagedinthebusinessofbreedingdogsashouseholdpetsfordirectorindirectsaleorforexchangeinreturnforconsideration;and

(C)Commercialdogbreedershallnotinclude:

(i)Anypersonwhokeepsorbreedsdogsexclusivelyforthepurposeofherdingorguardinglivestockorfarmanimals,hunting,trackingorexhibitingindogshows,performanceeventsorfieldandobediencetrials;and

(ii)Withrespecttogreyhounddogsonly,anypersonwhoholdsanoccupationalpermitfrom,andhasregisteredagreyhoundkennelnamewith,theWestVirginiaRacingCommission.

(3)“ClassICommercialDogBreeder”meansacommercialdogbreederthatpossesseseleventothirtyunsterilizeddogsovertheageofoneyearatanyonetimefortheexclusivepurposeofactivelybreeding.

(4)“ClassIICommercialDogBreeder”meansa

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commercialdogbreederthatpossessesmorethanthirtyunsterilizeddogsovertheageofoneyearatanytime.

(5)“Housingfacility”meansastructureinwhichdogsarekeptthatprovidesthemwithshelter,protectionfromtheelementsandprotectionfromtemperatureextremes.

(6)“Primaryenclosure”meansastructurethatrestrictsadog’sabilitytomoveinalimitedamountofspace,suchasaroom,cageorcompartment.

(b)Nocommercialdogbreedermaybreeddogswithoutabusinessregistrationcertificateinaccordancewithsectionthree,articletwelve,chapterelevenofthiscodeandavalidbusinesslicenseissuedbythelocalityinwhichthedogbreedingoperationislocated,ifthelocalitysorequires.

(c)Acommercialdogbreedershall:

(1)Obtainapermitannuallytooperate,asrequiredbythecountycommissioninwhichthecommercialdogbreedingoperationislocated.Countycommissionsareauthorizedtochargeafeetocommercialdogbreedersandshalldepositthefeescollectedinaspeciallydesignatedaccounttobeusedforanimalshelters,animalrescueandspayneuterprogramsadministeredbycountyanimalsheltersorotherhumaneorganizations.ThefeeforaClassIcommercialdog-breedingpermitshallbeanamountdeterminedbythecountycommission,nottoexceed$250peryear.ThefeeforaClassIIcommercialdogbreedingpermitshallbeanamountdeterminedbythecountycommission,nottoexceed$500peryear;

(2)Breedfemaledogsonlyafterthebreederhasobtainedanannualcertificationbyalicensedveterinarianthatthedogisinsuitablehealthforbreeding;

(3)Disposeofdogsonlybygift,sale,transfer,barteroreuthanasiabyalicensedveterinarian;

(4)Maintaincurrent,validrabiescertificatesforeverydogpursuanttoarticletwenty-aofthischapter;

(5)Includethebreeder’sannualpermitnumberonanyadvertisementforthesaleofadog;

(6)Ifsellingdirectlytothepublic,postaconspicuous

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noticecontainingthebreeder’sname,addressandannualpermitnumberoneachcage;

(7)Provideforthehumanetreatmentofdogsinaccordancewithsectionnineteen,articleeight,chaptersixty-oneofthiscode;

(8)Providedogswitheasyandconvenientaccesstoadequateamountsofcleanfoodandwater.Foodandwaterreceptaclesmustberegularlycleanedandsanitized.Allenclosuresmustcontainpotablewaterthatisnotfrozen,issubstantiallyfreefromdebrisandisreadilyaccessibletoalldogsintheenclosureatalltimesunlessotherwisedirectedbyaveterinarianforthehealthofthedog;

(9)Provideveterinarycarewithoutdelaywhennecessary;

(10)Maintainadequatestaffinglevelstoensurecompliancewiththissection;and

(11)Maintainadequatehousingfacilitiesandprimaryenclosuresthatmeetthefollowingminimumrequirements:

(A)Housingfacilitiesandprimaryenclosuresmustbekeptinasanitaryconditionandingoodrepair;mustbesufficientlyventilatedatalltimestominimizeodors,drafts,ammonialevelsandtopreventmoisturecondensation;musthaveameansoffiresuppression,suchasfunctioningfireextinguishersorasprinklersystemonthepremises;andmusthavesufficientlightingtoallowforobservationofthedogsatanytimeofdayornight;

(B)Housingfacilitiesandprimaryenclosuresmustenablealldogstoremaindryandclean;

(C)Housingfacilitiesmustprovideshelterandprotectionfromextremetemperaturesandweatherconditionsthatmaybeuncomfortableorhazardoustothedogs;

(D)Housingfacilitiesmustprovidesufficientshadetosimultaneouslyshelterallofthedogshousedtherein;

(E)Aprimaryenclosuremusthavesolidfloorsthatareconstructedinamannerthatprotectsthedogs’feetandlegsfrominjury;

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(F)Primaryenclosuresmustbeplacednohigherthanforty-twoinchesabovethefloorandmaynotbeplacedoverorstackedontopofanothercageorprimaryenclosure;

(G)Feces,hair,dirt,debrisandfoodwastemustberemovedfromprimaryenclosuresandhousingfacilitiesatleastdailyormoreoftenifnecessarytopreventaccumulationandtoreducediseasehazards,insects,pestsandodors;

(H)Alldogsinthesameenclosureatthesametimemustbecompatible,asdeterminedbyobservation.Breedingfemalesinheatmaynotbeinthesameenclosureatthesametimewithsexuallymaturemales,exceptforbreedingpurposes.Breedingfemalesandtheirlittersmaynotbeinthesameenclosureatthesametimewithotheradultdogs.Puppiesundertwelveweeksmaynotbeinthesameenclosureatthesametimewithotheradultdogs,otherthanthedamorfosterdamunlessunderimmediatesupervision;and

(I)Sickdogsshallbeisolatedsufficientlysoasnottoendangerthehealthofotherdogs.

(d)Toensurecompliancewithstateanimalcarelawsandregulations,commercialdogbreedinglocationsaresubjecttobiannualinspectionsbyanimalcontrolofficersorlaw-enforcementofficers.

(e)Itisunlawfulforacommercialdogbreedertooperateifheorshehasbeenconvictedofanimalcrueltyinanylocal,stateorfederaljurisdiction.

(f)Anycommercialdogbreederwhoviolatesanyprovisionofthissectionisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotmorethan$1,000perviolation.Inanyproceedingbroughtpursuanttotheprovisionsofthissection,acircuitjudgeormagistratemaygrantapersonaccusedofviolatingthissectionanimprovementperiodnottoexceedoneyearuponsuchtermsandconditionsasthejudgeormagistratemaydetermine.Uponsuccessfulcompletionoftheimprovementperiodthejudgeormagistrateshalldismissthecharges.

(g)NothinginthissectionexemptsafacilitylicensedbytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculturefromcompliance.

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(h)Nothinginthissectionpreventsanylocal,stateorfederallaw-enforcementagencyfrominvestigatinganimalcrueltyincommercialdogbreedingoperations.

ARTICLE 20A. VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS FOR RABIES.�9-20A-�. Purpose and policy.Thepurposeofthisarticleistoestablisharabiesvaccinationprocedurefordogsandcatsandtocheckthespreadofrabiesfortheimmediatepreservationoflife,healthandsafetyforthereasonthatrabiesisspreadingamongdogsandcats,andbecomingamenaceanddangertopeople,livestock,poultryandgame,andtheprovisionshereinaredesignatedtopreventthespreadofrabies.

�9-20A-2. Vaccination of dogs and cats.(a)Apersonwhoowns,obtainsorpossessesadogorcatwithintheStateofWestVirginiashallhavethedogorcatproperlyvaccinatedagainstrabieswithavaccinecapableofproducingimmunityforthreeyears,boosteredoneyearafterinitialvaccinationandeverythirdyearthereafter.Dogsandcatsneednotbevaccinatedbeforetheageofthreemonths,butmustbevaccinatedbytheageofsixmonths.(b)DogsandcatsoversixmonthsofageenteringtheStateofWestVirginiamusthavebeenvaccinatedforrabiesassetforthinsubsection(a)ofthissectionpriortoentry.(c)Adogorcatmaybevaccinatedbyanylicensedveterinarianorhisorherassistant.Ifthereisnolicensedveterinarianpracticinginthecounty,aqualifiedpersonmaybeappointedbythecountyhealthdepartmenttoadministervaccinations.

�9-20A-�. Vaccination record and report.Whoevervaccinatesorrevaccinatesadogorcatagainstrabiesshallkeeparecordofsuchvaccinationorrevaccination,andonorbeforethefirstdayofeachcalendarmonththereafter,shallmailtoordelivertothecountyclerkofthecountywherethevaccinationtakesplaceareportofsuchvaccinationorrevaccinationwhichshallincludeanumberidentifyingtheindividualrecordofthedogorcatvaccinated,acompletedescriptionofthedogorcat,placewherethedogorcatiskeptorharbored,nameoftheowner,keeperorharborer,hisorheraddress,dateandtypeofvaccinationorrevaccinationandsuchotherinformationasmayberequiredbythecountyhealthdepartmentor

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thecountycommissionoverthesignatureofthepersonreporting.

19-20A-4. Vaccination tag and certificate.Eachpersonvaccinatingadogorcatforrabiesshallprovidea“certificateofrabiesvaccination”whichshallcontainthefollowinginformation:(a)Nameofthecountywheretheowneroftheanimalresides;(b)Vaccinationtagnumber;(c)Identificationoftheanimalbycolor,weight,breed,ageandsex;(d)Name,addressandtelephonenumberoftheowner;(e)Typeofvaccine,themanufacturerofthevaccineandtheserialnumber;(f)Dateofthevaccination;(g)Identificationoftheveterinarian,doctorofmedicineorpersonadministeringthevaccination;(h)Suchotherinformationasthecommissionerofagriculturemayrequire.Theowneroftheanimalshallretaintheoriginalcertificateofvaccinationinhisorherrecords.Copiesofthecertificateoracomputerprintoutthatcontainstheinformationrequiredaboveshallbefiledwiththepersonadministeringthevaccinationandtheclerkofthecountycommissioninthecountywheretheowneroftheanimalresides.Tagstobefurnishedbythecountycommissionshallbeofadistinctiveandeasilyrecognizedcolor,andshallhavethereonengraved,orstamped,theyearofvaccinationandthenumberindicatingtherecordabovedescribed.Suchtagshallbesecurelyfastenedtothecollarwornbythedogandshallbegiventotheownerbytheveterinarian,thedoctorofmedicineorthepersonvaccinatingthedogorcatatthetimeofvaccination.

�9-20A-5. Type of vaccine to be furnished; fee. Itisthedutyoftheveterinarian,orpersonvaccinatingeachanimaltofurnishvaccineofatypecapableofestablishingandmaintainingimmunityforaperiodofnotlessthanthirty-sixmonthsandheorsheshallchargeandcollectafeeofnotmorethan$8foreachanimalvaccinated,ifdoneataclinicestablishedbyacountycommissionor,ifvaccinatedatanyotherplace,heorsheshallchargeandcollectareasonablefeeforhisorherservices.

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�9-20A-6. Offenses and penalties.Whoeverowns,keepsorharborsadogorcatandfailstohavesuchdogorcatvaccinatedorrevaccinatedagainstrabies,andwhoevervaccinatesadogorcatagainstrabiesandfailsorrefusestokeepandreporttherequiredrecordofsuchvaccination,orfailsorrefusestoprovidetherequiredtag,orwhoeverobstructsorinterferesinanywaywiththeenforcementofanysectionofthisarticleshall,uponconviction,befinednotlessthantendollarsnormorethanfiftydollars,orbeconfinedinthecountyjailnotlessthantendaysnormorethansixtydays,orboth.

�9-20A-7. Enforcement of article.Theenforcementoftheprovisionsofthisarticleshallbeinthehandsofthesheriffofeachcounty,anyofhisdeputies,constables,conservationcommissionofficers,commonlyknownasgamewardens,and,ifdeemednecessary,thereshallbeaspecialofficertobeappointedbythecountycommission,whoisauthorized,empowered,anddirectedtoinspectrabies,pickupdogsandcatsanddisposeofdogswhicharenottaxableornotvaccinatedaccordingtothisarticle.Thesheriffofeachcountycanhaveoneormoresittings,ifdeemednecessary,ineachdistrictofthecounty,atwhichheshallbepresentorhavepresentoneofhisdeputiesorthespecialofficeraboveprovidedfor,totakechargeofalldelinquentdogsandcatsandhomelessdogsandcatsthatarenotvaccinated.Theassessorofeachcounty,oroneofhisdeputies,shallaccompanytheveterinarian,doctor,ortheonewhoadministersthevaccineinthesesittingsforthepurposeofcollectingtaxesondogs.Alldogswhicharenotvaccinatedandforwhichtaxesareunpaidshallbecometheresponsibilityofthesherifftocatchanddisposeofasisprovidedbylaw.

�9-20A-8. Vaccinated dogs and cats may run at large; confinementmayberequiredbythecommissionerofagriculturewithinthelimitsofanyquarantineareaorlocality;andordinancesorrulesmaybepromulgatedbyanycountycommissionormunicipalityrelatingtothecontrolandmanagementofdogswithinthecounty;providinglimitedexemptionforhuntingandfarmdogsfromcountycommissionormunicipalityaction.Dogsorcatsvaccinatedincompliancewiththeprovisionsofthisarticlemayrunatlargeinanyareaorlocality:Provided,Thatthecommissionerofagriculturemay,pursuanttoarticlenineofthischapter,exercisehis

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discretiontoestablishaquarantinedareaorlocalityandtorequirealldogsandcatswithinthelimitsofanyquarantinedareaorlocalitytobeconfinedasprovidedinarticlenine:Provided,however,Thatacountycommissionoramunicipalitymayadoptandenforceordinancesnotinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofarticletwentyofthischapterofthecode,asitconsidersnecessaryorconvenientforthecontrolandmanagementofalldogsinthecounty,oraportionthereof,vaccinatedornot,exceptasfurtherprovidedherein:Providedfurther,Thatanycountycommissionormunicipalitymaynotadoptanyordinancewhichpurportstokeepanyvaccinateddogfromrunningatlargewhileengagedinanylawfulhuntingactivity;fromrunningatlargewhileengagedinanylawfultrainingactivity;orfromrunningatlargewhileengagedinanylawfulherdingorotherfarmrelatedactivity:Andprovidedfurther,Thattheprovisionsofthissectionshallnotexemptanydogfromanyquarantineestablishedbyoranyconfinementorderrequiredbythecommissionerrelatingtotheestablishmentofaquarantine.

ARTICLE 20B. SPAYING OR NEUTERING OF DOGS AND CATS.

�9-20B-�. Short title.Thisarticlemaybecitedasthe“WestVirginiaSpay/NeuterAct.”

19-20B-2. Requirement for adoption.(a)Nopersonmayadoptadogorcatfromanagency,including,butnotlimitedto,ananimalshelter,animalcontrolagencyorhumaneshelteroperatedbyamunicipality,county,orothergovernmentalagencywithinthestate,oraprivateorganizationoperatingashelterfromwhichanimalsareadoptedorreclaimed,unless:(1)Thedogorcathasalreadybeenspayedorneutered;(2)Thedogorcathasbeenspayedorneuteredbyalicensedveterinarianwhileinthecustodyoftheagency;or(3)Thenewownersignsawrittenagreementwiththeagencystatingthatthenewownerwillhavethedogorcatspayedorneuteredbyalicensedveterinarian:(A)Withinthirtydaysofthedateoftheadoption,ifthedogorcatissexuallymature;or(B)Withinthirtydaysafterthedogorcatreachessixmonthsofage,ifthedogorcatisnotsexuallymatureatthetimeoftheadoption.

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(b)Anyagencyassetforthinsubsection(a)ofthissectionwhichhaswrittenpolicyofnotpermittingtheadopteddogorcatfrombeingreleasedfromthecustodyoftheagencytothenewowneruntilthedogorcathasbeenspayedorneutered,doesnothavetocomplywiththeprovisionsofsubdivision(3),subsection(a)ofthissection.(c)Nothinginthissectionprecludesthespayingorneuteringofasexuallyimmaturedogorcatatthediscretionofalicensedveterinarianwiththeconsentofthenewowner.

�9-20B-�. Deposit.(a)Ifthedogorcatbeingadoptedhasnotbeenspayedorneutered,theagencymayrequireadepositofnotmorethanfiftydollarsfromthenewownerpriortotheadoptiontoensurethatthedogorcatisspayedorneutered.Thenewownershallreceivearefundofthedepositfromtheagencyuponprovidingconfirmationofthespayingorneutering.(b)Ifthenewownerfailstohavethedogorcatspayedorneuteredwithinthetimeframeestablishedinsectiontwoofthisarticle,orifthespayingorneuteringistimelyperformed,butthenewownerfailstorequestthereturnofthedepositwithinanadditionalthirtydaysafterthedatebywhichthespayingorneuteringisrequiredtobeperformed,thedepositshallbeforfeitedtotheagencyholdingthedepositandshallbeusedbytheagencytoconductprogramstospayorneuterdogsandcatsortoconducteducationalprogramsinsupportofthespayingandneuteringofdogsandcats.

�9-20B-4. Petition for compliance.Ifapersonfailstocomplywiththeprovisionsofthisarticle,theagencymayfileapetitionwithacourtofcompetentjurisdictionseekingcomplianceorrequestingreturnofthedogorcattotheagencyfromwhichitwasadopted.

�9-20B-5. Penalty.Apersonfailingtohaveadogorcatspayedorneuteredwithinthetimeframeestablishedinsectiontwoofthisarticleisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthanonehundredfiftydollarsnormorethantwohundredfiftydollars.

�9-20B-6. Dogs or cats claimed by owner.Nothinginthisarticleauthorizesanagencytospayorneuteradogorcatifthedogorcatisclaimedbyand

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returnedtoitslawfulownerwithinfivedaysofbeingtakenintocustodybytheagency.

ARTICLE 20C. WEST VIRGINIA SPAY NEUTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (Rules are not completed –scheduled for 20�5 Legislative Session) �9-20C-�. West Virginia Spay Neuter Assistance Program.

TheDepartmentofAgricultureshallestablishaspayneuterassistanceprogramthatprovidesgrantstononprofitspayneuterorganizationsandprogramsinthestate.Thepurposeofthisprogramistohavemoredogsandcatssterilized,therebyreducingshelterpopulationsandcosts,euthanasiaratesandthreatstopublichealthandsafetyfromrabiesandotherproblemsposedbythegrowingpopulationofstray,feralandabandoneddogsandcats.�9-20C-2. Fund established; acceptance of funds.

(a)ThereiscreatedintheStateTreasuryaspecialrevenueaccounttobedesignatedtheWestVirginiaSpayNeuterAssistanceFundandadministeredbytheCommissionerofAgriculture.ExpendituresfromthefundareforthepurposessetforthinthisarticleandaretobemadeinaccordancewithappropriationbytheLegislatureandinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofarticlethree,chaptertwelveofthiscodeanduponthefulfillmentoftheprovisionssetforthinarticletwo,chaptereleven-bofthiscode.

(b)Allmoneysreceivedandcollectedpursuanttothisarticleshallbedepositedintothefund.Thefundmayreceiveanyappropriations,gifts,grants,contributionsorothermoneyfromanysourcethatisdesignatedfordepositintothefund.

(c)Administrativeexpensesofthedepartmentmaynotexceedtenpercentofthefundsdepositedinanyfiscalyear.Theremaindershallbeusedexclusivelyforimplementationoftheprogram.�9-20C-�. Rulemaking; annual report.

(a)Thecommissionershallproposerulesforlegislativeapprovalinaccordancewitharticlethree,chaptertwenty-

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nine-aofthiscode,toimplementtheprovisionsofthisarticle.

(b)Rulespromulgatedunderthissectionshall,ataminimum:

(1)Identifythetypesofnonprofitorganizationsandprogramsthatqualifyforspayneutergrants;

(2)Establishparametersforspayneutergrants;

(3)Establishproceduresandrequirementsforgrantapplications;and

(4)Establishadministration,record-keepingandreportingrequirementsfornonprofitorganizationsandprogramsthatreceivespayneutergrants.

(c)Beginningtheyearfollowingtheprogram’sinception,thecommissionershallfileanannualreportwiththeJointCommitteeonGovernmentandFinanceregardingtheprogram,fundsreceivedandgrantsawarded,thenumberofdogsandcatssterilizedandotherpertinentdata.

ARTICLE 20D. PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION FOR THE HUMANE DESTRUCTION OF A DOG.�9-20D-�. Purpose.

Thepurposeofthisarticleistoprotectthepublicbyprovidingaprivatecauseofactionseekingeuthanasiaofadoginmagistratecourttoapersonwhohasbeenattackedbyadogresultinginpersonalinjuriesrequiringmedicaltreatmentwhichcost$2,000ormore,orwhohasbeenattackedbythedogandthedoghadattackedapersoncausingpersonalinjurywhichrequiredmedicaltreatmentwithintheprevioustwelvemonths.

�9-20D-2. Procedure; petition to magistrate court; elements of action; burden of proof; attorney fees; limitation of action.

(a)Apersonseekingreliefunderthisarticlemayapplytothemagistratecourtinthecountywherethedogownerresides,orthecountywheretheinjuryoccurred,byverifiedpetitionsettingforthandaffirmingthefollowing:

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(1)Thattheownerofthedogresidesinthecountywherethepetitionisfiledortheattackgivingrisetotheactionoccurredinthecountywherethepetitionisfiled;

(2)Thatthepetitionerwas:

(A)Attackedbythedogandtheattackresultedinpersonalinjuriesrequiringmedicaltreatmentintheamountof$2,000ormore;or

(B)Attackedbythedogandthedoghadengagedinaseparateattackonapersoncausingpersonalinjuryrequiringmedicaltreatmentwithintheprevioustwelvemonths;and

(3)Thatthepetitionerdidnothingtoprovokethedog.

(b)ThepetitionandsummonsshallbeservedontherespondentinthemannersetforthinRule4oftheWestVirginiaRulesofCivilProcedure.

(c)Thepetitionermustprovetheallegationsinthepetitionbyclearandconvincingevidence.

(d)Theprevailingpartyisentitledtoanawardofreasonableattorneyfeesandcosts.

(e)Thelimitationsofthecauseofactioninthisarticleareasfollows:

(1)Relief,otherthanattorneyfeesandcostsinsubsection(d)ofthissection,islimitedtoanorderdirectingthattheownerofthedoghavethedogeuthanized;and

(2)Thecauseofactionprovidedbythisarticledoesnotestablishstatutoryliabilitynordoesitsupplantacommonlawnegligencecauseofaction.

�9-20D-�. Order of the magistrate court.

(a)Ifthetrieroffactfindsbyclearandconvincingevidencethatthedogwhichisthesubjectoftheactionunderthisarticlehasattackedthepetitionerandcausedpersonalinjuriesrequiringmedicaltreatmentintheamountof$2,000ormoreorthatthedogattackedthepetitionerandwithinthetwelvemonthperiodpriortotheattackhadengagedinaseparateattackcausingpersonalinjuryrequiringmedicaltreatment,thenthecourtshallordertheownerofthedogtohavethedogeuthanized.

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(b)Themagistratecourtshallissueandfileawrittenorderthatsetsforththefollowing:

(1)Findingsoffactandconclusionsoflaw;and

(2)Ifthecourtorderseuthanasia,aspecificdateuponwhichtheownerofthedogmusthavetheeuthanasiaperformedandadirectionthatdocumentationbemailedtothepetitionerandfiledwiththecourtbyaspecificdateshowingthattheprocedurewasperformed.

(c)Ifthecourtdoesnotordereuthanasia,thecourtshallorderthatthepetitionbedismissedwithprejudice.

(d)Thecourtmayawardreasonableattorneyfeesandcoststotheprevailingparty.

ARTICLE ��. EQUINE RESCUE FACILITIES ACT

(Rulesarenotcompleted)

19-33-1. Definitions.

Forpurposesofthisarticle:

(a)“Commissioner”meanstheCommissionerofAgriculture.

(b)“Equinerescuefacility”meansafacilitythatislistedasanonprofitorganizationhavingalegitimateandcurrentstatusunderTitle26U.S.C.501(c)(3),asamended,thatfosterscaretounwantedequinesduetoage,healthorothercircumstancesthatdeemtheequineshomeless.

19-33-2. Licensing of equine rescue facilities.

NopersonmayoperateanequinerescuefacilityasdefinedinthissectionwithoutanequinerescuefacilitylicenseissuedbytheDepartmentofAgriculture.Theannualfeeforanequinerescuefacilitylicenseis$100,whichshallberemittedbythecommissionertothehumaneofficeroranimalcontrolofficerinthecountywherethefacilityislocatedtooffsettheexpenseofinspectingthatfacility.Ifthecountydoesnothaveahumaneofficeroranimalcontrolofficer,thecommissionershallremitthelicensefeetothesheriffofthecountywherethefacilityislocated.

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19-33-3. Inspections of equine rescue facilities.

Uponapplicationforanequinerescuefacilitylicense,thecommissionershallnotifythecountyhumaneofficeroranimalcontrolofficerinthecountywheretheequinerescuefacilityislocated,whoshallinspectthefacilitypriortoissuanceofanequinerescuefacilitylicenseand,thereafter,notlessthantwiceannually.Ifthecountydoesnothaveahumaneofficeroranimalcontrolofficer,thesheriffofthatcountyisresponsibleforinspectionsofequinerescuefacilitiesinthecountyassetforthinthissection.

�9-��-4. Legislative rules.

Thecommissionershallproposerulesforlegislativeapprovalinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofarticlethree,chaptertwenty-nine-aofthiscodetoprovideforthefollowing:

(a)Theissuanceofequinerescuefacilitylicensesandrevocationofthelicensesforviolationsoftheprovisionsofthisarticleorrulesadoptedhereunder;

(b)Notificationoftheapplicationandissuanceofanequinerescuefacilitylicensetothehumaneofficer,animalcontrolofficerorcountysheriffinthecountywherethefacilityislocatedandprovidingremittanceoftheannualequinerescuefacilitylicensefee;

(c)Standardsformaintenanceofthepremises,thecareandhealthofthehorseskeptatequinerescuefacilitiesandstandardsforinspectionofthosefacilitiesandhorses,usingguidelinesdevelopedbytheWestVirginiaLivestockCareStandardsBoard;and

(d)Standardsforclosureofanequinerescuefacilityandseizureofhorsesatthefacilitywherethehealthandwelfareofthehorsesareendangered.

�9-��-5. Penalties.

Anypersonwhoviolatesanyprovisionofthisarticleorrulesadoptedhereunderisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthan$100normorethan$500forthefirstoffense,andforasecondorsubsequentoffenseshallbefinednotlessthan$500normorethan$2,500.

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ARTICLE �4. DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS ACT. (Rules are not completed)

�9-�4-�. Findings and purpose.

Thepossessionofdangerouswildanimalspresentsseriouspublichealthandsafetyconcernsandshallberegulatedforthefollowingreasons:

(1)Topreventtheintroductionorspreadofdiseaseorparasitesharmfultohumans,domesticlivestockandpoultry,wildlifeandcaptivewildanimals;

(2)Toensurethephysicalsafetyofhumans;

(3)Topreventtheescapeorreleaseofananimalinjurioustoorcompetitivewithagricultural,horticultural,forestry,wildlifeandothernaturalresources;and

(4)Topreventthemistreatmentofpermitteddangerouswildanimals.

19-34-2. Definitions.

Asusedinthisarticleunlessotherwisespecified:

(1)“Board”meanstheDangerousWildAnimalBoard;

(2)“Dangerouswildanimal”meansamammal,bird,reptile,amphibianoraquaticanimal,includingahybrid,thatisdangeroustohumans,otheranimalsortheenvironmentduetoitsinherentnatureandcapabilitytodosignificantharm.“Wildlife”,asdefinedbysectiontwo,articleone,chaptertwentyofthiscode,“livestock”,asdefinedinsectiontwo,articleten-b,chapternineteenofthiscode,and“domesticanimals”,asdefinedinthissection,areexcluded.

(3)“Domesticanimal”meansananimalwhich,throughextremelylongassociationwithhumans,hasbeenbredtoadegreewhichhasresultedingeneticchangesaffectingthetemperament,color,conformationorotherattributesofthespeciestoanextentthatmakesituniqueanddistinguishablefromawildindividualofitsspecies,andincludesananimalthathasbeenbredasacompanionanimal.

(4)“Person”meansanindividual,partnership,corporation,organization,tradeorprofessionalassociation,firm,limitedliabilitycompany,jointventure,association,trust,estate

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orotherlegalentityandanofficer,member,shareholder,director,employee,agentorrepresentativethereof.

�9-�4-�. Rule-making authority.

TheBoardshallproposerulesforlegislativeapprovaltoeffectuatetheprovisionsofthisarticleinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofarticlethree,chaptertwenty-nine-aofthiscode.Theboardmaypromulgateemergencyrulespursuanttosectionfifteen,articlethree,chaptertwenty-nine-aofthiscode.

�9-�4-4. Prohibition on the possession of a dangerous wild animal; exceptions.

(a)Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinthisarticle,apersonmaynotpossessadangerouswildanimal.

(b)Pursuanttotheprovisionsofthisarticle,theboardmayissueapermitforthepossessionofadangerouswildanimaliftheapplicantwasinlegalpossessionoftheanimalpriortotheeffectivedateoftherulespromulgatedunderthisarticle.

�9-�4-5. Dangerous Wild Animal Board; composition; duties.

(a)TheDangerousWildAnimalBoardisherebyestablishedwiththefollowingmembers:TheCommissioneroftheDepartmentofAgriculture,theSecretaryoftheDepartmentofHealthandHumanResourcesandtheDirectoroftheDivisionofNaturalResources,ortheirdesignees.Theboardshalldevelopacomprehensivelistofdangerouswildanimalspursuanttotherule-makingauthorityofthisarticle.

(b)TheCommissionerofAgricultureshallserveasthechair,theSecretaryoftheDepartmentofHealthandHumanResourcesasthevicechairandtheDirectoroftheDivisionofNaturalResourcesshallserveasthesecretaryoftheboard.TheDepartmentofAgricultureshallprovidenecessarystaffandsupportservicestotheboardasneeded.

(c)Theboardshall:

(1)Establishminimumcagingorenclosurerequirementsforvariousdangerouswildanimals;(2)Createacomprehensivelistofdangerouswildanimals,excludingwildlife,livestock

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anddomesticanimalsasdefinedherein.Thelistmayinclude,butnotbelimitedto:

(A)Bears;

(B)Bigcats;

(C)Canids;

(D)Primates;

(E)Constrictorsnakesgreaterthansixfeet,andvenomoussnakes;and

(F)Alligatorsandcaimans;

(3)Enforcethepermitrequirementsandsetthefeesforpermits;

(4)Issue,renew,revokeandmaintainrecordsfordangerouswildanimalpermits;

(5)Annuallyreviewthelistofprohibiteddangerouswildanimalstodetermineifanimalsshouldbeaddedorsubtractedfromthelist;and

(6)Addressanyotherissuesrequiredbythisarticle.

19-34-6. Permit applications, requirements, issuance and revocation.

(a)Application.-–Apersonapplyingforapermittopossessadangerouswildanimalshallsubmitanapplicationthatincludesthefollowing:

(1)Afeeestablishedbytheboardforeachdangerouswildanimal;

(2)Thename,addressandtelephonenumberoftheapplicant,andtheaddresswherethedangerouswildanimalislocated;

(3)Adescriptionofeachdangerouswildanimal,includingthescientificname,commonname,permanentanduniqueidentifier,andanyinformationthatwouldaidintheidentificationoftheanimal;and

(4)Adescriptionoftheexactlocationonthepropertyandadescriptionoftheenclosureorcagewhereeachdangerous

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wildanimaliskept.

(b)Permitrequirementsandrestrictions.-–Theapplicationshallstate,andthepersonshallacknowledgehisorherunderstanding,that:

(1)Heorshemaynotbreed,receiveorreplaceadangerouswildanimal;

(2)Heorsheshallnotifythesherifforhumaneofficerinhisorhercountyimmediatelyifthedangerouswildanimalescapes;

(3)Heorshemaynotallowthedangerouswildanimaltocomeintophysicalcontactwithapersonotherthanthepermitee,theanimal’sdesignatedhandler,anemployeeofalaw-enforcementagencyenforcingthisarticleoraveterinarianadministeringmedicaltreatmentorcare;

(4)Heorshehasnotbeenconvictedforanoffenseinvolvingtheabuseorneglectofanyanimal;(5)Heorshehasnothadapermitorlicenseconcerningthecare,possession,exhibition,breedingorsaleofadangerouswildanimalrevokedorsuspendedbyagovernmentalagency;

(6)Heorsheshallpermanentlymarkeachdangerouswildanimalwithauniqueidentifier;

(7)Heorsheshallmaintainrecordsforeachdangerouswildanimal,includingveterinaryrecords,acquisitionpapers,thepurchasedateandotherrecordsthatproveownershipofthedangerouswildanimal;

(8)Heorshepresentsproofofliabilityinsuranceinanamountofnotlessthan$300,000withadeductibleofnotmorethan$250foreachoccurrenceofpropertydamage,bodilyinjuryordeathcausedbyadangerouswildanimalpossessedbytheperson;

(9)Heorsheshallnotifytheboardnotlessthanthreedaysbeforeadangerouswildanimalistransferredtoanotherpersonoutofstate;

(10)Heorshemaynottransferdangerouswildanimalsinthestatewithoutthewrittenconsentoftheboard;(11)Heorsheshallnotifytheboardofanyplanstomoveorchangehisorheraddress,andmaynotmovetheanimalwithout

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thewrittenconsentoftheboard.However,intheeventofamedicalemergency,adangerouswildanimalmaybetransportedtoalicensedveterinarian’sfacilityfortreatmentandcareiftheanimalisatalltimesconfinedsufficientlytopreventescape;and

(12)Heorsheshallcomplywithallrulespromulgatedbytheboardpursuanttotheprovisionsofthisarticle.

(c)Theboardmayissueapermittopossessadangerouswildanimalifitdeterminesthattheapplicanthasmettherequirementsofthisarticle.

(d)Apermittopossessadangerouswildanimalisvalidforonecalendaryearandmustberenewedannually.

19-34-7. Confiscation and disposition of animals; suspension and revocation of permits.

(a)Alaw-enforcementofficer,countyhumaneofficerorthestateveterinarianmayimmediatelyconfiscateoreuthanizeanydangerouswildanimaliftheanimalposesanimmediaterisktopublichealthorsafetyregardlessofwhethertheowneroftheanimalhasapermitissuedunderthisarticle.

(b)Theboardmaysummarilysuspendapermitissuedunderthisarticleifoneofthefollowingconditionsexists:

(1)Ananimalwhoseownerhasapermitissuedunderthisarticleisinapositiontoharmanotheranimal;

(2)Apermittedanimalposesarisktopublichealthorsafety;or

(3)Thepermiteehasviolatedaprovisionofthisarticle.(c)Intheeventofthesuspensionofapermitorconfiscationofananimalpursuanttothissection,thedangerouswildanimalmaybetransferredtoanotherpermiteeincompliancewiththeprovisionsofthisarticle,ifthetransferwouldabatetheimminentharmtotheanimalorthepublicasdeterminedbytherespondinglaw-enforcementofficer,countyhumaneofficerorstateveterinarian.Ifthetransferofthedangerouswildanimalcannotbeaccomplishedwithoutadditionalrisktopublicsafety,orifnosuitablefacilityisavailablefortransfer,theresponding

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law-enforcementofficer,countyhumaneofficerorveterinarianmayhumanelyeuthanizetheanimal.

(d)Uponconvictionofanoffenseunderthisarticleoranyotheranimalcrueltystatute,theboardshallrevokethatperson’spermit.

(e)Theboardmay,forcause,revokeapermit.

(f)Apersonaggrievedbyactionoftheboardmayappealtocircuitcourt.

19-34-8.Exemptions.

(a)Thepermittingprovisionsofthisarticledonotapplyto:

(1)InstitutionsaccreditedbytheAssociationofZoosandAquariums(AZA)oranAZA-certifiedfacility;

(2)Ananimalcontrolorlaw-enforcementagencyorofficeractingundertheauthorityofthisarticle;

(3)Licensedveterinaryhospitalsorclinicstreatingdangerouswildanimals;

(4)Alicensedoraccreditedresearchmedicalinstitution;(5)AresearchfacilityasdefinedintheAnimalWelfareAct,7U.S.C.2132(e),asamended;

(6)Acircusthatisanincorporated,ClassclicenseeundertheAnimalWelfareAct,7U.S.C.2132(e),asamended;

(7)ApersondisplayingdangerouswildanimalsatafairorfestivalthatisalicensedexhibitorundertheAnimalWelfareAct,7U.S.C.2132(e),asamended;and

(8)Apersontemporarilytransportingadangerouswildanimalthroughthestate,ifthetransittimeisnotmorethanforty-eighthoursandtheanimalisatalltimesconfinedsufficientlytopreventescape.

(b)Qualifiedexemption.-–ThepermittingprovisionsofthisarticledonotapplytoexhibitorsordealerslicensedasofJanuary1,2014,undertheAnimalWelfareAct,7U.SC.2132(e),asamended,andatthetimetherulesbecomeeffectiveandwhocontinuetohaveavalidexhibitorordealerlicense.Theboardmayrevokethisexemptionastoexhibitorsordealersthathaverepeated,uncorrected

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citationsinviolationoftheAnimalWelfareAct,aconvictionforviolationofananimalcrueltystatuteoraviolationofsectionssevenornineofthisarticle.

�9-�4-9. Criminal and civil penalties.

(a)Apersonwhoviolatesaprovisionofthisarticleisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthan$200normorethan$2,000foreachanimalwithrespecttowhichthereisaviolation.

b)Apersonwhoknowinglyandintentionallyorrecklesslyreleasesadangerouswildanimalorunlawfullypossessesadangerouswildanimalthatdoesnotcauseinjurytoanindividualisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconviction,maybeconfinedinjailfornotmorethanoneyearorfinednotlessthan$500normorethan$2,500,orbothconfinedandfined.

(c)Apersonwhoknowinglyandintentionallyorrecklesslyreleasesadangerouswildanimalorunlawfullypossessesadangerouswildanimalthatinjuresanindividualisguiltyofafelonyand,uponconvictionthereof,maybeimprisonedinastatecorrectionalinstitutionfornotlessthanoneyearnormorethanthreeyears,orfinednotlessthan$1,000normorethan$5,000,orbothconfinedandfined.

(d)Civilpenalty.-–Apersonconvictedofanoffenseunderthisarticleisliableforallcosts,includingpersonnelcosts,expendedbythecountyorstateagenciesinvolvedwiththecapture,confinement,transferoreuthanasiaofadangerouswildanimal.

(e)Thecivilliabilityimposedbythissectionisinadditiontoanyotherlegalremediesfordamagestopersonorpropertycausedbyadangerouswildanimal.

CHAPTER �0. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS.

ARTICLE �0. VETERINARIANS.

30-10-12. Requirements to be a certified animal euthanasia technician.

(a)Tobeeligibletobeacertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnicianapersonmust:(1)Applyatleastthirtydayspriortothedatethenext

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writtenexaminationsarescheduled,usingaformprescribedbytheboard;(2)HaveahighschooldiplomaorGED;(3)Payapplicationandexaminationfees;(4)Completethecertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnician’sprogramestablishedbytheboard;(5)Passthewrittenandpracticalskillsexaminations;(6)Passtheprescribedbackgroundcheck;and(7)Completealltheotherrequirementsestablishedbytheboard.(b)Acertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnicianmaypracticeanimaleuthanasiaatalegallyoperatedanimalcontrolfacility.(c)ApersoncertifiedasananimaleuthanasiatechnicianbytheboardpriortoJuly1,2010,shallforallpurposesbeconsideredcertifiedunderthisarticleandmayrenewpursuanttotheprovisionsofthisarticle.

30-10-13. Requirements for certified animal euthanasia technicians program.

(a)Theboardshallcreateacertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnician’sprogram.Theboardshalldesignthisprogramtoteachapplicantsforcertificationrecordkeepingandthelegal,safetyandpracticalinformationneededtobecomeacertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnician.(b)(1)Theboardshalladministerwrittenexaminationstoanapplicantforcertification.Thewrittenexaminationsshalltesttheapplicant’sknowledgeofthefollowing:(A)Animalrestraint;(B)Drugenforcementagencyregulations;(C)Recordkeepingrequirementsforcontrolledsubstances;(D)Handling,inventory,securityandproperstorageofeuthanasiadrugs,solutionsandsyringes;(E)Thecertificationprocess;(F)Legalrequirements;(G)Stressmanagement;(H)Approvedanimaleuthanasiadrugusage;(I)Jurisprudence;and(J)Othersubjectareasspecifiedbytheboardinalegislativerule.(2)Theapplicantshallpassthewrittenexaminationswithaminimumcorrectscore,asdeterminedbytheboard,inordertobeeligibletotakethepracticalskillsexaminationprovidedinsubsection(c)ofthissection.(c)Inadditiontothewrittenexaminationsprovidedunder

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subsection(b)ofthissection,theboardshalladministerapracticalskillsexaminationtoanapplicantwhohassuccessfullypassedthewrittenexaminations.Theboardshallconductthepracticalskillsexaminationinamannerthattestsanapplicant’sabilitytoproperlyrestrainananimal,measureacorrectdosageofeuthanasiasolution,locateaninjectionsiteandperformaninjection.Inordertopassthepracticalskillsexamination,anapplicantshallexhibittotheboardthatheorshecanlocateaninjectionsiteandperformaninjectionandalsoperformeuthanasiacorrectlyandhumanely.(d)AnapplicantwhosuccessfullypassesthewrittenexaminationsandthepracticalskillsexaminationrequiredbythissectionshallsignaformauthorizingtheboardtomakeinquiriesthroughtheUnitedStatesDepartmentofJustice,oranyotherlegaljurisdictionorentity,forthepurposeofdeterminingthecharacterandreputationoftheapplicantandothermattersrelatingtothecertificationoftheapplicant.

�0-�0-�4. Scope of practice for an Animal Euthanasia Technician.

(a)Acertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnicianmayeuthanizeanimalsassignedtothecareofananimalcontrolfacility.(b)Acertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnicianshallpracticeeuthanasiawithinthelimitationsimposedbythisarticleandrulespromulgatedbytheboardunderthisarticle.(c)Acertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnicianmaynotpracticeoroffertopracticehisorherprofessionoutsidethedirectauthorityoftheanimalcontrolfacilitywhichemployshimorherorotherwisecontractsforhisorherservices.(d)Acertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnicianisnotqualifiedandmaynotindicatethatheorsheisqualifiedtoactinanycapacityrelativetoanimalsbeyondhisorherspecifiedandregulatedauthoritytoeuthanizeanimalsattheinstructionoftheanimalcontrolfacilitybywhichheorsheisemployed.(e)Annually,beforeJanuary15,acertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnicianshallreporttotheboardthenumberofanimalseuthanizedathisorherfacilityduringthepreviouscalendaryear.

30-10-15. Renewal requirements.

(a)AllpersonsregulatedbythearticleshallannuallyorbienniallybeforeJanuary1,renewhisorherlicense,

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registrationorcertificationbycompletingaformprescribedbytheboard,payingallapplicablefeesandsubmittinganyotherinformationrequiredbytheboard.(b)AtleastthirtydayspriortoJanuary1,theboardshallmailtoeverypersonregulatedbythearticleanapplicationforrenewal.(c)Theboardshallchargeafeeforeachrenewalandalatefeeforanyrenewalnotproperlycompletedandreceivedwiththeappropriatefeebytheduedate.(d)Theboardshallrequireasaconditionofrenewalthateachlicensee,registrantandcertificateholdercompletecontinuingeducation.(e)Theboardmaydenyanapplicationforrenewalforanyreasonwhichwouldjustifythedenialofanoriginalapplication.(f)TheboardmayauthorizethewaivingoftherenewalfeeofalicensedveterinarianorregisteredveterinariantechnicianduringtheperiodwhenheorsheisonactivedutywithanybranchofthearmedservicesorthepublichealthserviceoftheUnitedStatesoradeclaredemergency.(g)AfterJuly1,2010,apreviouslycertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnicianmayrenewhisorhercertificationwithouthavingobtainedahighschooldegreeorGED.

TITLE 26 - LEGISLATIVE RULE - WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

SERIES 5 - CERTIFIED ANIMAL EUTHANASIA TECHNICIANS

26-5-�. General

1.1.Scope.-Thisruleestablishesguidelinesforthetraining,examinationandproceduresbywhichAnimalEuthanasiaTechniciansmaybecertifiedbytheWestVirginiaBoardofVeterinaryMedicine.Further,itestablishesapprovedmethodsofanimaleuthanasiaandexpandsaswellasdefinesqualificationsforCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicians.

1.2.Authority.-W.Va.Code30-10

1.3.FilingDate.–June16,2011

1.4.EffectiveDate.–June16,2011

26-5-2. Application and Exam Fees

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2.1.Payment.Anapplicantshallpaytheapplication,examinationandcertificationfee,aswellasthefeesforthetrainingprogram,backgroundcheckandprintedcopyofthepracticeactandrulesassetforthintheBoard’srule,ScheduleofFees,26CSR6priortothetrainingprogram.

2.2.Refunds.Feesarenon-refundable.

26-5-3. Certified Animal Euthanasia Technicians program

3.1.TheBoardmayformulateandadministeraprogramtoteachapplicantsthelegal,safetyandpracticalinformationnecessarytoperformthedutiesofaCertifiedAnimal2

EuthanasiaTechnician.TheBoardmayalsoapproveprogramssponsoredbyprofessionaltrainingorganizationstoprovidethetrainingforCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnician’s.

3.2.Theadministrationoftheprogramsponsoredbyaprofessionaltrainingorganizationshallbeinaccordancewiththelaws,rules,practices,policies,orproceduresprescribedbytheBoardoritsdesignees.

3.3.Applicantsforcertificationasanimaleuthanasiatechniciansshallcompletetherequiredtrainingprogramwithin6monthsprecedingthewrittenandpracticalexaminations.

26-5-4. Written examination

4.1.ThewrittenexaminationshalltesttheapplicantsknowledgeonthesubjectssetforthinWVCode30-10-13aswellastheprovisionsofWestVirginiaCode30-10-1et.seq.pertainingtoCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicians.

4.2.TheminimumpassingscoreonthewrittenexaminationsforCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnician’sis70percent.

26-5-5. Practical skills examination

5.1.TheBoardshallannuallyappointfromitsmembershipaminimumof1oramaximumof2boardmemberswhoareveterinariansforthepurposeofadministeringthepracticalskillsexaminationtoapplicantsforcertification

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asanAnimalEuthanasiaTechnician,ormayassignadministrationoftheexamtoaveterinarianorveterinarianslicensedtopracticeinthisstate.

5.2.TheBoardmemberormembers,orauthorizedveterinarianshallconductthepracticalskillsexaminationtodeterminetheapplicants’abilityinmeetingtherequirementsinWVCode30-10-1etseq.

5.3.TheBoardmemberormemberswhoadministerthepracticalexaminationshalldeterminefailureorpassingofthepracticalexaminationfollowingreportofscoresbythetestadministratororadministrators.3

26-5-6. Testing date

6.1.TheBoardshalloffertheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechniciantrainingprogramatleastonceayear.

6.2.TheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianwrittenandpracticalskillsexaminationsshallbeconductedatleastonceayear.Theexaminationsshallconsistofwrittenexaminations,followedbyapracticalexamination.

6.3.AnapplicantwhofailsanyportionorportionsoftheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianexaminationisineligibletobecertifiedasaCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnician.

6.4.Anyapplicationnotcompletedwithin90daysafterthestateexaminationisadministeredshallbeclosedwithnoissuanceofcertification.

26-5-7. Chemical Restraint Drugs

7.1.ChemicalRestraintDrugsarethosedrugsapprovedbytheBoardforadministrationpriortolethalinjectionofananimaltoreduceaggressivenessand/ormobilityoftheanimalbeingeuthanized.Theapprovedchemicalrestraintdrugsforuseinanimaleuthanasiaare:

(1)Injectableacetylpromazine(acepromazine)

(2)Oralacetylpromazine(acepromazine).

7.2.Recordkeepingrequirementsforapprovedchemicalrestraintdrugsshallbeidenticaltotherecordkeepingrequirementsforanimaleuthanasiadrugs.

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26-5-8. Requirements for Animal Euthanasia by Carbon Monoxide

8.1AnycountywhichhasagaschambermanufacturedandinstalledbyAugust27,2009,maycontinuetousesuchmethodforanimaleuthanasia,ifdesired.

8.2AnimalcontrolfacilitiesthateuthanizeanimalswithagaschambermustbeinspectedannuallybyaBoardapprovedhealthandsafetyorganization,withknowledgeofsafetyrequirementsforacarbonmonoxidegaschamber.Thisinspectionmustprovideproofthatthechamberisproperlysealedwithnoleaksorcrackedseals,andiscapableofrapidlyachievingauniformcarbonmonoxideconcentrationofatleast6%,aftertheanimalsareplacedinthechamber.AcopyoftheinspectionformandcertificationmustbesubmittedtotheBoardofVeterinaryMedicinebytheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianresponsibleforthechamberwithin30daysoftheinspection.

8.3Euthanasiaofanimalsbyuseofagaschambermustmeetthefollowingrequirements:

(a)ThepersonadministeringtheeuthanasiabyuseofthegaschambermustbeaCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianinthisstate;

(b)AllsuchgaschambersinoperationforanimaleuthanasiashallberegisteredwiththeBoardofVeterinaryMedicine;

(c)Thegaschambermustbeincompliancewithallthefollowingrequirementsinordertobeinoperation,andshallataminimum;

1.Beproperlyconstructedandmaintained;

2.Beacommerciallymanufacturedandinstalled,purposebuiltchamber;

3.Beconstructedofdurableandeasilycleanablematerial;

4.Havesufficientexternalandinternallightinginconjunctionwithatleast1cleanandtransparentviewingportorwindowforusebytheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechniciantodirectlyobserveandmonitortheanimalsduringeuthanasiatoensurethattheeuthanasiaisoccurringproperlyandhumanely;

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5.Beproperlysealed,withsuchsealsbeingproperlymaintainedtoenableatleasta6%concentrationofthegastobeattainedinthechamberwithin20seconds,andtomaintainthischamberconcentrationofthegasuntildeathhasoccurred;

6.Belocatedinawellventilatedarea,preferablyoutofdoorswherethetoxichazardsofgasexposuretotheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnician,theanimalcontrolfacilitypersonnelandanimalswillbeavoided.Ifthechamberislocatedinsidetheanimalcontrolfacility,OSHAapprovedmonitors,withanalarmsystemarerequiredtowarnpersonnelofhazardousconcentrations.Thealarmsystemmustsoundbothintheroomwherethechamberislocatedandelsewhereinthefacilitywhereotherstaffmaybe.

7.Beoperatedoutsidetheopenbusinesshoursoftheanimalcontrolfacility.

8.AnyelectricalequipmentsuchaslightsandfansthatmaybeexposedtotheCOgasshallbeexplosionproof.

9.Utilizeonlycommercialgradecarbonmonoxidegas,dispensedfromacylinder.

10.Havethecommercialgradecarbonmonoxidegasdispensedfromacylinderintoanappropriatelyconstructed,sealedandmaintainedcarbonmonoxidechamberatapressureandratethatachievesa6%concentrationofgaswithinthechamberwithin20seconds.

11.Havethecarbonmonoxidegasstoredinawellventilatedarea,wherethetoxichazardsofgasexposuretotheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianoperatingthechamber,theotheranimalcontrolfacilitystaffandanimalswillbeavoided.

12.Utilizepre-anesthesiasedationapprovedforthisusebytheBoardforuseasdeemednecessaryorappropriate.

13.Mustallowfortheseparationofindividualanimalsbypartitionsorbyplacingindividualanimalsinseparatecagesorcarrierswithinthechamber.Allpartitions,cagesorcarriersusedshallhavesolidbottoms,withthesidesofthe

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partitions,cagesorcarriersbeingsolidorasmallmeshtominimizecontactandstress.

14.Haveallpartitions,cagesandcarriersusedinthechamberthoroughlycleanedaftereachusebeforeplacinganotheranimalintothem,tominimizetheanimal’sfearandstress.

(d)Allanimalseuthanizedwithacarbonmonoxidegaschambershall;

1.Behealthyandfreeofanymajorinjuryordiseasewhichcouldinterferewiththeanimals’abilitytobreatheandproperlycirculateoxygenandcarbonmonoxide.

2.Beatleast16weeksofage.

3.Beplacedinthechamberonlywithcompatibleanimalsofthesamespecies.

4.Notbeplacedintothechamberwithotheranimalsthathavealreadybeeneuthanized.

(e)TheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianadministeringthecarbonmonoxideintothegaschambershall:

1.Leavetheanimalsinthechamberforatleast10minutesafterdeathhasoccurredbeforeopeningthechamber.

2.Openthedooronlyinawell-ventilatedarea,andleavetheanimalsinthechamberforanother10minutesafterthechamberisopenedbeforetryingtoremovetheanimals.

3.Carefullyexaminetheanimalsforcardiacstandstilltoensurethatdeathhasindeedoccurredpriortodisposalofthecarcass.

26-5-9.Inspectionrequirementsforanimaleuthanasiagaschambers

9.1Allanimalcontrolfacilitiesinthisstatewhichhaveagaschamberinoperationforeuthanasiaofanimalsshallhavethegaschamberinspectedannuallybyaninspectorthatisauthorizedbytheboardtoconductsuchinspections.

9.2Thereportonthegaschamberinspectionshallbe

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submittedbytheinspectortotheboardandshallbereceivednolaterthan30daysaftertheinspection.

9.3Thecostofthegaschamberinspectionistobepaiddirectlytotheinspectorbytheanimalcontrolfacilitywithin30daysoftheinspection.Failuretopaytherequiredinspectionfeemayresultinterminationofauthoritytooperatethegaschamber.

9.4Theboardshallchargeafeeassetforthin26CSR6ScheduleofFeestotheanimalcontrolfacilityfortheimplementation,recordkeepingandadministrativedutiesoftheboardintheprocessingofthegaschamberinspection.Thisfeeshallbepaidtotheboardnolaterthan30daysfromtheinspection.

9.5Ifthegaschamberdoesnotpasstheinspection,theboardshallimmediatelybenotifiedbytheinspector.Theboardshallproceedwithoutdelaytonotifytheanimalcontrolfacilitythatuseofthegaschambershallceaseatonce.

9.6Theinspectorshallfileawrittennoticeoftheresultsoftheinspectionwhichshallbereceivedbytheboardwithinfourworkingdaysaftertheinspection.

9.7Theboardshallnotifyanyotherentitiesoffederalorstategovernmentwhichrequiresuchnotificationoftheinfractionsand/orshutdownofananimaleuthanasiagaschamber.

9.8Uponthecorrectionofanydeficienciesinthegaschamberareinspectionshallbeconductedontheordersoftheboardandthecostsofthereinspectionshallbepaidtotheinspectorwithin30daysofthereinspection.

9.9Acertifiedanimaleuthanasiatechnicianwhocontinuestoeuthanizeanimalsinagaschamberthathasbeenorderedshutdowneithertemporarilyorpermanentlyshallbesuspendedfromcertificationasananimaleuthanasiatechnicianbytheboard.Thisemergencyactionisduetothepotentialhazardsinthecontinuedoperationofthegaschamberthatmayresultinextremerisksordeathtohumansandanimals.

26-5-�0. Revocations, suspensions

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10.1.RemovalofCertification-TheBoardhasthepowertodeny,suspendorrevokeacertificationasanAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianortotakeotherdisciplinaryactionforaviolationoftheprovisionsofthelaworthisrule.Itmayalsodeny,suspendorrevokeacertificationiftheperson:

a.Ischronicallyorhabituallyintoxicated,hasachemicaldependencyorisaddictedtodrugs;

b.Haspermittedorallowedanothertousehisorhercertificationtopracticeanimaleuthanasiainthisoranyotherstate;

c.Hascommittedfraudintheapplicationorrecordkeepingofanyanimal;

d.HasfailedtomaintainrecordsattheplaceofbusinessoftheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianwhichshallinclude,butnotbelimitedtothosespecifiedinSection13ofthisrule;or

e.Hasperformedunauthorizedtreatment.

10.2.TheBoardshallaffordahearingtoanyapplicantwhoisdeniedcertificationandwhorequestsahearingwithin30daysofnotificationofthedenial,ortoanypersonagainstwhomdisciplinaryactionhasbeentakenbytheBoard.TheBoardshallconductthehearinginaccordancewiththeprovisionsofBoardRuletitled“ContestedCaseHearingProcedure”26CSR2A.8

10.3TheBoardmayrevokeorsuspendthecertificationofanyCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianiftheBoarddeterminesthatSodiumPentobarbital,SodiumPentobarbitalcompoundortheBoardapprovedsedativesortranquilizersforpre-euthanasiaadministrationarebeingusedforanypurposeotherthanhumaneanimaleuthanasiaorthatthepermittedfacilityhasfailedtoabidebytherulesforthesafeandefficientpurchase,possession,oradministrationofSodiumPentobarbital,SodiumPentobarbitalcompoundortheBoardapprovedsedativesortranquilizersforpre-euthanasiaadministration.

10.4.TheBoardmayinspectanyanimalcontrolfacility,animalshelterorhumanesocietywhichemploysaCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechniciantodetermineifitcomplies

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withtherequirementsforpossession,administration,purchaseorstorageofSodiumPentobarbital,SodiumPentobarbitalcompoundortheapprovedsedativesortranquilizersforpre-euthanasiaadministration,asestablishedbytheBoard.

26-5-11. Continuing education requirement

11.1.AllCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnician’sshallcompleteatleast6hoursofcontinuingeducationincoursesapprovedbytheBoardduringeachcalendaryear.Nohoursmaybeaccumulated,carriedforward,orheldoverpastthecalendaryearinwhichthehourswerecompleted.

11.2.UntiltheBoarddeterminesappropriatecontinuingeducationcoursesareavailableinthefieldofanimaleuthanasia,theBoardmayprovidecontinuingeducationcoursesannuallyforCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechniciansinmeetingtherequirementsofthissection.ThefeeforsuchcontinuingeducationissetforthintheBoard’sRuleScheduleofFees26CSR6.

11.3.ByDecember31ofeachyear,eachCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianshallcertifytotheBoardonformstobeprovidedbytheBoard,thatheorshehassuccessfullycompletedthecontinuingeducationrequirementforthatcalendaryear.

11.4.TheBoardshallnotissueacertificationrenewaltoananimaleuthanasiatechnicianwhodoesnotpresenttotheBoardsufficientproofthatheorshehassuccessfullyundertakenandcompletedtherequiredhoursofcontinuingeducation.9

26-5-12. Certification annual renewal

12.1.TheBoardshallmakeeveryreasonableefforttonotifyCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnician’softherenewalrequirementsassetforthinW.Va.Code30-10-15,butfailuretoreceivenotificationdoesnotexemptanyonefrommeetingtherequirementsofthisrule.

12.2.CertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnician’sshallnotifytheBoardofanychangeofaddress,andtoforwardthenoticetotheBoardnolaterthantheeffectivedateofthechangeofaddress.

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26-5-��. Record keeping

13.1.CertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechniciansshallmaintainrecordsattheirplaceofbusinessincluding,butnotlimitedto;

(a)Identificationoftheanimaleuthanized;

(b)Thedrugadministered,anditsdosage;

(c)Thedateofeuthanasia;

(d)Themethodofsanitarydisposaloftheanimal’sremains;

(e)Aninventoryofallreceipts,administrationsanddistributionsofSodiumPentobarbitaland/orSodiumPentobarbitalcompoundortheapprovedreplacementdrugofchoice;and

(f)Themethodutilizedfortheeuthanasiaofeachanimal.

13.2.TheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianandtheanimalcontrolfacility,humanesocietyoranimalsheltershallmaintaintherecordsinacurrentstatusonthebusinesspremisesforaperiodof3years.10

13.3.Inthecaseofthecancellationofcertificationofananimaleuthanasiatechnician,therecordsshallbemaintainedbythefacility’sadministrators.

26-5-�4. Storage

14.1.TheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianshallmaintainallcontrolledsubstances,sedativesandtranquilizersunderhisorherauthorityinaproperlysecureandlockedstoragecontainerwhentheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianisnotinthesameroomwiththedrug.

14.2.OnlytheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianshallhaveaccesstothedrugstoragecontainer.

14.3.Themanufacturer’sinstructionsshallbefollowedinthepreparationofalllethalinjectionsorchemicalrestraintdrugs.

14.4.Needlesshallbeofmedicalquality,andshallnotbeusediftheyaredirty,clogged,barbed,ormightotherwise

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causeunnecessarydiscomfortfortheanimal.Needlesmaynotbeusedmorethan5times.

14.5.Syringesshallbeofmedicalquality.Theymaybereusediftheyareproperlycleaned.

14.6.Needlesandsyringesshallbekeptinthesamesecurestorageasthelethaldrugsandchemicalrestraintdrugs.

14.7.Needlesandsyringesshallbedisposedofinapropercontainer,asrequiredbystatelaw.

26-5-�5. Minimum standards

15.1.TheCertifiedAnimalEuthanasiaTechnicianshallmaintainallcontrolledsubstances,chemicalrestraintdrugs,needlesandsyringesincompliancewithstateandfederallaws.

CHAPTER 48. DOMESTIC RELATIONS. ARTICLE 27. PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

PART �. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

48-27-50�. Permissive provisions in protective order.

Thetermsofaprotectiveordermayinclude:

(1)Grantingpossessiontothepetitioneroftheresidenceorhouseholdjointlyresidedinatthetimetheabuseoccurred;

(2)Orderingtherespondenttorefrainfromenteringorbeingpresentintheimmediateenvironsoftheresidenceofthepetitioner;

(3)Awardingtemporarycustodyoforestablishingtemporaryvisitationrightswithregardtominorchildrennamedintheorder;

(4)Establishingtermsoftemporaryvisitationwithregardtotheminorchildrennamedintheorderincluding,butnotlimitedto,requiringthirdpartysupervisionofvisitationsifnecessarytoprotectthepetitionerand/ortheminorchildren;

(5)Orderingthenoncustodialparenttopaytothecaretaker

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parentasumfortemporarysupportandmaintenanceofthepetitionerandchildren,ifany;

(6)Orderingtherespondenttopaytothepetitionerasumfortemporarysupportandmaintenanceofthepetitioner,whereappropriate;

(7)Orderingtherespondenttorefrainfromenteringtheschool,businessorplaceofemploymentofthepetitionerorhouseholdorfamilymembersforthepurposeofviolatingtheprotectiveorder;

(8)Orderingtherespondenttoparticipateinaninterventionprogramforperpetrators;

(9)Orderingtherespondenttorefrainfromcontacting,telephoning,communicating,harassingorverballyabusingthepetitioner;

(10)Providingforeitherpartytoobtainpersonalpropertyorotheritemsfromalocation,includinggrantingtemporarypossessionofmotorvehiclesownedbyeitherorbothoftheparties,andprovidingforthesafetyofthepartieswhilethisoccurs,includingorderingalaw-enforcementofficertoaccompanyoneorbothoftheparties;

(11)Orderingtherespondenttoreimbursethepetitionerorotherpersonforanyexpensesincurredasaresultofthedomesticviolence,including,butnotlimitedto,medicalexpenses,transportationandshelter;

(12)Orderingthepetitionerandrespondenttorefrainfromtransferring,conveying,alienating,encumberingorotherwisedealingwithpropertywhichcouldotherwisebesubjecttothejurisdictionofthecourtoranothercourtinanactionfordivorceorsupport,partitionorinanyotheractionaffectingtheirinterestsinproperty;

(13)Awardingthepetitionertheexclusivecare,possession,orcontrolofanyanimalowned,possessed,leased,keptorheldbyeitherthepetitionerortherespondentoraminorchildresidingintheresidenceorhouseholdofeitherthepetitionerortherespondentandprohibitingtherespondentfromtaking,concealing,molesting,physicallyinjuring,killingorotherwisedisposingoftheanimalandlimitingorprecludingcontactbytherespondentwiththeanimal;and(14)Orderinganyotherreliefthecourtdeemsnecessaryto

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protectthephysicalsafetyofpetitionerorthosepersonsforwhomapetitionmaybefiledasprovidedinsubdivision(2),sectionthreehundredfiveofthisarticle.

48-27-702. Law-enforcement officers to provide information, transportation and to report suspicions of animal cruelty.

(a)Anylaw-enforcementofficerrespondingtoanallegedincidentofdomesticviolenceshallinformthepartiesoftheavailabilityofthepossibleremediesprovidedbythisarticleandthepossibleapplicabilityofthecriminallawsofthisstate.Anylaw-enforcementofficerinvestigatinganallegedincidentofdomesticviolenceshalladvisethevictimofsuchviolenceoftheavailabilityofthefamilyprotectionsheltertowhichsuchpersonmaybeadmitted.

(b)Ifthereisreasonablecausetobelievethatapersonisavictimofdomesticviolenceorislikelytobeavictimofdomesticviolence,alaw-enforcementofficerrespondingtoanallegedincidentofdomesticviolenceshall,inadditiontoprovidingtheinformationrequiredinsubsection(a)ofthissection,providetransportationfororfacilitatetransportationofthevictim,upontherequestofsuchvictim,toashelteroranappropriatecourt.

(c)Wheneveralaw-enforcementofficer,pursuanttoaresponsetoanallegedincidentofdomesticviolence,formsareasonablesuspicionthatananimalisavictimofcruelorinhumanetreatment,heorsheshallreportthesuspicionandthegroundstherefortothecountyhumaneofficerwithintwenty-fourhoursoftheresponsetotheallegedincidentofdomesticviolence.

CHAPTER 49. CHILD WELFARE.

ARTICLE 5. JUVENILE PROCEEDINGS.

49-5-��f. Animal Cruelty Early Intervention Program.

(a)Notwithstandinganyprovisionofthisarticletothecontrary,ajuvenilewhohasbeenallegedtohavecommittedanactofdelinquencywhichinvolvedcausingharmtoananimalshallbegiventheoptionofproceedingintheAnimalCrueltyEarlyInterventionProgramasanalternativetothefilingofaformalpetitionundersectionsevenofthisarticle,

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asthecasemaybe.ThedecisiontoextendtheoptiontoentertheAnimalCrueltyEarlyInterventionProgramshallbemadebythecircuitcourtifthecourtfindsthattheoffenderisasuitablecandidatefortheprogram.NojuvenilemayentertheAnimalCrueltyEarlyInterventionProgramunlessheorsheandhisorherparentorguardianconsent.AnyjuvenilewhodoesnotsuccessfullycooperateinandcompletetheAnimalCrueltyEarlyInterventionProgramshallbereturnedtothecircuitcourtforfurtherdispositionasprovidedbysectioneleven-aorthirteenofthisarticle,asthecasemaybe.(b)TheDepartmentofJuvenileServicesshallestablishataskforcetocreateanAnimalCrueltyEarlyInterventionProgram.ServicesprovidedbytheDepartmentforJuvenileServicesintheAnimalCrueltyEarlyInterventionProgramshallbeconsistentwiththeprovisionsofarticlefive-bofthischapterandshallbedesignedtodevelopskillsandsupportswithinfamiliesandtoresolveproblemsrelatedtothejuvenileswhohaveengagedinanimalcruelty.Servicesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,referralofjuvenilesandparents,guardiansorcustodiansandotherfamilymemberstoservicesforpsychiatricorothermedicalcare,orpsychological,welfare,legal,educationalorothersocialservices,asappropriatetotheneedsofthejuvenileandhisorherfamily.(c)TheeffectivedateforthissectionisthefirstdayofJuly,twothousandsix.

ARTICLE 6A. REPORTS OF CHILDREN SUSPECTED TO BE ABUSED OR NEGLECTED.

49-6A-2. Persons mandated to report suspected abuse and neglect.

Whenanymedical,dentalormentalhealthprofessional,ChristianSciencepractitioner,religioushealer,schoolteacherorotherschoolpersonnel,socialserviceworker,childcareorfostercareworker,emergencymedicalservicespersonnel,peaceofficerorlaw-enforcementofficial,humaneofficer,memberoftheclergy,circuitcourtjudge,familycourtjudge,employeeoftheDivisionofJuvenileServicesormagistratehasreasonablecausetosuspectthatachildisneglectedorabusedorobservesthechildbeingsubjectedtoconditionsthatarelikelytoresultinabuseorneglect,suchpersonshallimmediately,andnot

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morethanforty-eighthoursaftersuspectingthisabuse,reportthecircumstancesorcauseareporttobemadetotheDepartmentofHealthandHumanResources:Provided,Thatinanycasewherethereporterbelievesthatthechildsufferedseriousphysicalabuseorsexualabuseorsexualassault,thereportershallalsoimmediatelyreport,orcauseareporttobemade,totheStatePoliceandanylaw-enforcementagencyhavingjurisdictiontoinvestigatethecomplaint:Provided,however,Thatanypersonrequiredtoreportunderthisarticlewhoisamemberofthestaffofapublicorprivateinstitution,school,facilityoragencyshallimmediatelynotifythepersoninchargeofsuchinstitution,school,facilityoragency,oradesignatedagentthereof,whoshallreportorcauseareporttobemade.However,nothinginthisarticleisintendedtopreventindividualsfromreportingontheirownbehalf.

Inadditiontothosepersonsandofficialsspecificallyrequiredtoreportsituationsinvolvingsuspectedabuseorneglectofchildren,anyotherpersonmaymakeareportifsuchpersonhasreasonablecausetosuspectthatachildhasbeenabusedorneglectedinahomeorinstitutionorobservesthechildbeingsubjectedtoconditionsorcircumstancesthatwouldreasonablyresultinabuseorneglect.

49-6A-2b. Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by child protective service workers.

Intheeventachildprotectiveserviceworker,inresponsetoareportmandatedbysectiontwoofthisarticle,formsareasonablesuspicionthatananimalisthevictimofcruelorinhumanetreatment,heorsheshallreportthesuspicionandthebasistherefortothecountyhumaneofficerprovidedundersectionone,articleten,chaptersevenofthiscodewithintwenty-fourhoursoftheresponsetothereport.

CHAPTER 6�. CRIMES AND THEIR PUNISHMENT. ARTICLE �. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY.

6�-�-27. Malicious killing of animals by poison or otherwise; penalty.

Ifapersonmaliciouslyadministerspoisonto,orexposespoisonwiththeintentthatitshouldbetakenby,anyhorse,coworotheranimalofanotherperson,orifanypersonmaliciouslymaims,kills,orcausesthedeathofanyhorse,

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coworotheranimalofanotherperson,ofthevalueofonehundreddollarsormore,thepersonisguiltyofafelony,and,uponconviction,shallbeimprisonedinthepenitentiarynotlessthanoneyearnormorethantenyears;and,ifthehorse,coworotheranimalisoflessvaluethanonehundreddollars,thepersonisguiltyofamisdemeanor,and,uponconviction,shallbeconfinedinjailnotmorethanthreemonthsandfinednotmorethanfivehundreddollars:Provided,Thatthissectionshallnotbeconstruedtoincludedogs.

ARTICLE �E. OFFENSES INVOLVING EXPLOSIVES. 6�-�E-6. Causing death or injury to an explosives detection animal; penalty.

Anypersonwhoviolatestheprovisionsofthisarticlewhichviolationcausesdeath,seriousordebilitatingbodilyinjurytoanexplosivesdetectionanimalownedorusedbyalaw-enforcementagency,shallbeguiltyofafelonyand,uponconvictionthereof,becommittedtothecustodyofthedivisionofcorrectionsfornotlessthanoneyearnormorethanfiveyearsorfinednotmorethanfivethousanddollars,orboth.

ARTICLE 8. CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY AND DECENCY.

6�-8-�9. Cruelty to animals; penalties; exclusions.

(a)Ifanypersoncruellymistreats,abandonsorwithholdspropersustenance,includingfood,water,shelterthatprotectsfromtheelementsofweatherormedicaltreatment,necessarytosustainnormalhealthandfitnessortoendsufferingorabandonsanyanimaltodie,orintentionally,knowinglyorrecklesslyleavesananimalunattendedandconfinedinamotorvehiclewhenphysicalinjurytoordeathoftheanimalislikelytoresult,orridesananimalwhenitisphysicallyunfit,orbaitsorharassesanyanimalforthepurposeofmakingitperformforaperson’samusement,orcruellychainsortethersanyanimaloruses,trainsorpossessesanydomesticatedanimalforthepurposeofseizing,detainingormaltreatinganyotherdomesticated

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animal,heorsheisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthanthreehundrednormorethantwothousanddollarsorconfinedinjailnotmorethansixmonths,orboth.(b)Ifanypersonintentionallytortures,ormutilatesormaliciouslykillsananimal,orcauses,procuresorauthorizesanyotherpersontotorture,mutilateormaliciouslykillananimal,heorsheisguiltyofafelonyand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbeconfinedinacorrectionalfacilitynotlessthanonenormorethanfiveyearsandbefinednotlessthanonethousanddollarsnormorethanfivethousanddollars.Forthepurposesofthissubsection,“torture”meansanactiontakenfortheprimarypurposeofinflictingpain.(c)Anyperson,otherthanalicensedveterinarianorapersonactingunderthedirectionorwiththeapprovalofalicensedveterinarian,whoknowinglyandwillfullyadministersorcausestobeadministeredtoanyanimalparticipatinginanycontestanycontrolledsubstanceoranyotherdrugforthepurposeofalteringorotherwiseaffectingsaidanimal’sperformanceisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthanfivehundrednormorethantwothousanddollars.(d)Anypersonconvictedofaviolationofthissectionshallforfeithisorherinterestinanyanimalandallinterestintheanimalshallvestinthehumanesocietyorcountypoundofthecountyinwhichtheconvictionwasrenderedandthepersonshall,inadditiontoanyfineimposed,beliableforanycostsincurredortobeincurredbythehumanesocietyorcountypoundasaresult.(e)Forthepurposeofthissection,theterm“controlledsubstance”hasthesamemeaningascribedtoitbysubsection(d),sectiononehundredone,articleone,chaptersixty-aofthiscode.(f)Theprovisionsofthissectiondonotapplytolawfulactsofhunting,fishing,trappingoranimaltrainingorfarmlivestock,poultry,gamingfowlorwildlifekeptinprivateorlicensedgamefarmsifkeptandmaintainedaccordingtousualandacceptedstandardsoflivestock,poultry,gamingfowlorwildlifeorgamefarmproductionandmanagement,nortohumaneuseofanimalsoractivitiesregulatedunderandinconformitywiththeprovisionsof7U.S.C.2131,etseq.,andtheregulationspromulgatedthereunder,asbothstatutesandregulationsareineffectontheeffectivedateofthissection.(g)Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsubsection(a)ofthis

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section,anypersonconvictedofasecondorsubsequentviolationofsaidsubsectionisguiltyofamisdemeanorandshallbeconfinedinjailforaperiodofnotlessthanninetydaysnormorethanoneyear,finednotlessthanfivehundreddollarsnormorethanthreethousanddollars,orboth.Theincarcerationsetforthinthissubsectionshallbemandatoryunlesstheprovisionsofsubsection(h)ofthissectionarecompliedwith.(h)(1)Notwithstandinganyprovisionofthiscodetothecontrary,nopersonwhohasbeenconvictedofaviolationoftheprovisionsofsubsection(a)or(b)ofthissectionmaybegrantedprobationuntilthedefendanthasundergoneacompletepsychiatricorpsychologicalevaluationandthecourthasreviewedtheevaluation.Unlessthedefendantisdeterminedbythecourttobeindigent,heorsheshallberesponsibleforthecostofsaidevaluation.(2)Foranypersonconvictedofaviolationofsubsection(a)or(b)ofthissection,thecourtmay,inadditiontothepenaltiesprovidedinthissection,imposearequirementthatheorshecompleteaprogramofangermanagementinterventionforperpetratorsofanimalcruelty.Unlessthedefendantisdeterminedbythecourttobeindigent,heorsheshallberesponsibleforthecostoftheprogram.(i)Inadditiontoanyotherpenaltywhichcanbeimposedforaviolationofthissection,acourtshallprohibitanypersonsoconvictedfrompossessing,owningorresidingwithanyanimalortypeofanimalforaperiodoffiveyearsfollowingentryofamisdemeanorconvictionandfifteenyearsfollowingentryofafelonyconviction.Aviolationunderthissubsectionisamisdemeanorpunishablebyafinenotexceedingtwothousanddollarsandforfeitureoftheanimal.

61-8-19a. Animal fighting ventures prohibited.

(a)Itisunlawfulforanypersontoengagein,beemployedat,orsellanadmissiontoanyanimalfightingventure.(b)Anypersonwhoviolatestheprovisionsofthissectionisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthanonehundreddollarsandnotmorethanonethousanddollars,orconfinedinthecountyjailnotexceedingoneyear,orbothsofinedandconfined,andmaybedivestedofownershipandcontrolofsuchanimals,andbeliableforallcostsfortheircareandmaintenance:Provided,Thatiftheanimalisawildanimal,gameanimalorfur-bearinganimal,asdefinedinsectiontwo,articleone,

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chaptertwentyofthiscode,orwildlifenotindigenoustoWestVirginia,orofacanine,feline,porcine,bovine,orequinespecieswhetherwildordomesticated,thepersonwhoviolatestheprovisionsofthissectionisguiltyofafelonyand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthanonethousanddollarsandnotmorethanfivethousanddollars,andimprisonedinastatecorrectionalfacilityfornotlessthanonenormorethanfiveyears,orbothfinedandimprisoned.

61-8-19b. Attendance at animal fighting ventures prohibited; penalty.

(a)Itisunlawfulforanypersontoknowinglyattendananimalfightingventureinvolvinganimalsasprovidedinsubsections(a)and(b),sectionnineteen-a,articleeightofthischapter.(b)Anypersonwhoviolatestheprovisionsofthissectionisguiltyofamisdemeanorand,uponconvictionthereof,shallbefinednotlessthanonehundreddollarsandnotmorethanonethousanddollars,orconfinedinthecountyorregionaljailnotmorethanoneyear,orbothfinedandimprisoned.

6�-8-20. Keeping or using live birds to be shot at; penalty.

Whoeverkeepsorusesalivebirdtobeshotateitherforamusementorasatestofskillinmarksmanship,orshootsatabirdkeptorusedasaforesaid,orisapartytosuchshooting,orletsanybuilding,room,field,orpremises,orknowinglypermitstheusethereof,forthepurposeofsuchshooting,shallbeguiltyofamisdemeanor,and,uponconvictionthereof,shallbepunishedbyfineofnotmorethanfiftydollarsorbyimprisonmentfornotmorethanonemonth,orbyboth.Nothinghereincontainedshallapplytotheshootingofwildgame.

6�-8-2�. Search warrants relating to cruelty to animals.

Ifcomplaintismadetoacourtormagistratewhichisauthorizedtoissuewarrantsincriminalcasesthatthecomplainantbelieves,andhasreasonablecausetobelieve,thatthelawsrelativetocrueltytoanimalshavebeenorareviolatedinanyparticularbuildingorplace,suchcourtormagistrate,ifsatisfiedthatthereisreasonablecauseforsuchbelief,shallissueasearchwarrantauthorizinganysheriff,deputysheriff,constableorpoliceofficertosearchsuch

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buildingorplace;butnosuchsearchshallbemadeaftersunset,unlessspeciallyauthorizedbythemagistrateuponsatisfactorycauseshown.\

6�-8-22. Search warrants relating to birds and animals kept for fighting.

Ifcomplaintismadetoacourtormagistrateauthorizedtoissuewarrantsincriminalcasesthatthecomplainantbelieves,andhasreasonablecausetobelieve,thatpreparationsarebeingmadeforanexhibitionofthefightingofbirds,dogs,orotheranimals,orthatsuchexhibitionisinprogress,orthatbirds,dogs,orotheranimalsarekeptortrainedforfightingatanyplaceorinanybuildingortenement,suchcourtormagistrate,ifsatisfiedthatthereisreasonablecauseforsuchbelief,shallissueasearchwarrantauthorizinganysheriff,deputysheriff,constable,orpoliceofficer,tosearchsuchplace,building,ortenementatanyhourofthedayornight,andtakepossessionofallsuchbirds,dogsorotheranimalstherefound,andtoarrestallpersonstherepresentatanysuchexhibitionorwherepreparationsforsuchanexhibitionarebeingmade,orwherebirds,dogs,orotheranimalsarekeptortrainedforfighting.

6�-8-2�. Search without warrant where there is an exhibition of the fighting of birds or animals.

Anyofficerauthorizedtoservecriminalprocessmay,withoutwarrant,enteranyplace,building,ortenementinwhichthereisanexhibitionofthefightingofbirds,dogs,orotheranimals,orinwhichpreparationsarebeingmadeforsuchanexhibitionandarrestallpersonstherepresentandtakepossessionofandremovefromtheplaceofseizurethebirds,dogs,orotheranimalsengagedinfightingortherefoundandintendedtobeusedorengagedinfighting,orkeptortrainedforfightingandholdthesameincustodysubjecttotheorderofthecourtashereinafterprovided.

This book will not be updated every year. However, the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia provides a listing of annual law changes of animal code on its website. Please check for the rules for the animal law listed that will be passed in 20�5.

www.fohowv.org