TABLE OF CONTENTS WEST VIRGINIA STATE ANIMAL CODE REVISION · PDF fileTABLE OF CONTENTS WEST...
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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
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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