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WV HB4800

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/23/2026

Primary Sponsor

Jonathan Pinson

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands penalties for dog attacks on livestock to include "any other livestock" as defined in §19-18-1 of the West Virginia Code, beyond the animals specifically named in current law
  • Currently named livestock protected includes sheep, lambs, goats, kids, calves, cattle, swine, show or breeding rabbits, horses, colts, and poultry
  • Requires dog owners to kill their dog within 48 hours of receiving written notice that the dog has been worrying, wounding, chasing, or killing livestock
  • If the owner refuses to kill the dog, a magistrate can issue a warrant for the sheriff to kill or dispose of the dog, with all costs paid by the dog's owner
  • Dog owners remain liable for the value of any livestock killed or injured in addition to court costs

Legislative Description

Clarifying the penalty of a dog attacking livestock by adding a proviso to include “any other livestock.”

Agriculture

Last Action

To House Government Organization

2/11/2026

Committee Referrals

Government Organization2/11/2026
Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism1/23/2026
Government Organization1/23/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available