West Virginia Statewide Rule
West Virginia Animal Cruelty Law Covers Hoarding Conduct
Key Facts
- Primary statute
- WV Code §61-8-19
- Misdemeanor penalty
- Up to six months jail
- Felony cruelty
- Up to five years prison
- Animal seizure
- Authorized by humane officers
Summary
West Virginia does not have a dedicated animal hoarding statute, but its general animal cruelty law criminalizes failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Hoarding situations are prosecuted under cruelty and neglect provisions statewide.
§61-8-19. Cruelty to animals; penalties; exclusions. (a)(1) It is unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, (A) Mistreat an animal in cruel manner; (B) Abandon an animal; (C) Withhold; (i) Proper sustenance, including food or water; (ii) Shelter that protects from the elements of weather; or (iii) Medical treatment, necessary to sustain normal health and fitness or to end the suffering of any animal; (D) Abandon an animal to die; (E) Leave an animal unattended and confined in a motor vehicle when physical injury to or death of the animal is likely to result; (F) Ride an animal when it is physically unfit; (G) Bait or harass an animal for the purpose of making it perform for a person's amusement; (H) Cruelly chain or tether an animal; or (I) Use, train or possess a domesticated animal for the purpose of seizing, detaining or maltreating any other domesticated animal. (2) Any person in violation of subdivision (1) of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $300 nor more than $2,000 or confined in jail not more than six months, or both.
Full Breakdown
WV Code §61-8-19 prohibits cruelty to animals, including knowingly or intentionally withholding necessary sustenance, drink, shelter, or medical attention required to prevent suffering. When a person keeps so many animals that adequate care is impossible, prosecutors charge cruelty or neglect, often as multiple counts. Aggravated cruelty involving torture or causing serious harm is a felony. Humane officers may seize animals when conditions threaten welfare, and courts may bar convicted defendants from owning animals. The statute applies uniformly throughout West Virginia, though municipalities may add complementary ordinances.
Violations & Penalties
Misdemeanor cruelty is punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $2,000 per animal. Aggravated cruelty is a felony with up to five years imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is animal hoarding a specific crime in West Virginia?
Can a court ban someone from owning animals after a cruelty conviction?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.