WV HB5207

Defines owner's duty of care for companion animals, requiring adequate food, water, shelter, space, exercise, and veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering or disease transmission

Creates new criminal offense of unlawful confinement of domestic animals, prohibiting tethering in ways that risk animal health or prevent normal movement, with fines of $250-$500 for violations

Establishes animal hoarding as a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to $500 fine when a person possesses many companion animals and fails to provide basic care while being unable to recognize the harmful conditions

Increases penalties for interfering with humane officers from $100-$500 to $500-$1,000 and elevates second offense of animal cruelty from misdemeanor to felony with 1-5 years imprisonment and $1,000-$5,000 fine

Requires owners to confine unspayed female dogs during estrus (heat) for 25 days in a building or secure enclosure