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WV HB4130

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/14/2026

Primary Sponsor

Phil Mallow

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Increases fines for interfering with humane officers from $100-$500 to $500-$1,000, with jail time up to 30 days

  • Establishes detailed owner duty of care requirements for companion animals, including standards for adequate feed, water, shelter, space, exercise, and veterinary care

  • Requires unspayed female dogs in estrus to be confined for 25 days and mandates commercial dog breeders provide written health disclosures to purchasers

  • Raises commercial dog breeder permit fees (Class I up to $350/year, Class II up to $750/year) and increases violation penalties from $1,000 to $1,500 per offense

  • Creates new purchaser remedies allowing refunds, exchanges, or veterinary expense reimbursement for dogs sold with undisclosed illnesses or hereditary conditions within specified timeframes

Legislative Description

Increase penalties for abuse of or cruelty to animals

Crime

Last Action

To House Government Organization

1/14/2026

Committee Referrals

Government Organization1/14/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available