WV HB3044

Increases fines for interfering with humane officers from $100-$500 to $500-$1,000 and establishes penalties up to $500 for animal hoarding offenses

Elevates second offense animal cruelty violations from a misdemeanor to a felony punishable by 1-5 years imprisonment and $1,000-$5,000 fine; increases fines for intentional torture or malicious killing of animals to $2,500-$7,500

Creates new criminal offense of unlawful confinement of domestic animals, prohibiting improper tethering, caging, or leaving animals outside during extreme weather, with fines of $250-$500

Establishes detailed duty of care requirements for companion animal owners, including standards for adequate food, water, shelter, space, exercise, and veterinary care

Requires commercial dog breeders to provide written health disclosures to purchasers and establishes remedies when dogs are unfit for sale due to illness or hereditary conditions discovered within 15 days to one year of purchase