West Virginia Statewide Rule
West Virginia Statewide Dog Restraint and Running-At-Large Law
Key Facts
- Primary statute
- WV Code §19-20
- Running-at-large liability
- §19-20-13
- Registration age
- Six months and older
- Rabies vaccination
- Required (§19-20A)
Summary
West Virginia requires dogs over six months old to be registered and vaccinated against rabies, and makes owners liable for damage caused by a dog running at large under W. Va. Code §19-20-13. Specific leash rules are set by local ordinance.
§19-20-13. Dog running at large; liability of owner. Any owner or keeper of any dog who permits such dog to run at large shall be liable for any damages inflicted upon the person or property of another by such dog while so running at large. Previous §19-20-12. Dogs, other animals and reptiles protected by law; unlawful killing thereof; aggrieved owner's remedy; penalties; penalties for unlawful stealing of companion animals. §19-20-13. Dog running at large; liability of owner.
Full Breakdown
Under W. Va. Code §19-20, every dog over six months old must be registered annually and wear a county tag, with rabies vaccination required under §19-20A. Section 19-20-13 makes an owner or keeper who permits a dog to run at large liable for any damage the dog causes to a person or property, and dogs running among livestock may lawfully be killed. West Virginia has no statewide leash mandate, specific leash or confinement requirements are set by municipal or county ordinance, but the registration, rabies-vaccination, and running-at-large liability rules apply everywhere in the state.
Violations & Penalties
Owners are civilly liable for damage caused by a dog running at large under §19-20-13, and unregistered or unvaccinated dogs may be impounded and the owner fined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does West Virginia require dogs to be on a leash?
Are dog license fees set by the state?
Sources
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