April 1, 2021
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/west-virginia-house-passes-comprehensive-animal-welfare-bill-akc-amendments/
Yesterday, the West Virginia House passed House Bill 2095 – comprehensive
legislation that seeks to enhance West Virginia’s animal welfare laws covering
everything from the care of animals in shelters to the care of animals by
private individuals.
This legislation will bring West Virginia law into alignment with reasonable,
accepted animal husbandry and care laws and provide comprehensive laws
regarding the care of animals by public shelters.
As mentioned in a previous alert, AKC requested a few clarifications and
amendments related to keeping dogs outdoors, consumer protection, and hoarding.
Delegate Dianna Graves, sponsor of HB 2095, agreed to make the following
amendments on behalf of AKC:
• Protection for dogs outdoors – The language in bold has been added,
making it unlawful to:
Leave [animals] outside during extreme weather conditions, including, but not
limited to, extreme heat, freezing or near-freezing temperatures,
thunderstorms, tornadoes, or floods, unless adequate food, potable water,
shade, shelter, and protection is provided, based on the breed, age, general
health of the dog and its ability to handle the environment.
AKC appreciates this important amendment to ensure proper protection of dogs,
without punishing responsible owners and sportsmen.
• Consumer protection – Previously, one section would have required
reimbursement of veterinary costs up to 150 percent of the purchase price while
other sections limited reimbursement up to the purchase price of the dog. As
passed by the House, all reimbursement remedies are now consistent and limited
to an amount up to the purchase price.
Given the complexities of the issue of animal hoarding, Delegate Graves has
offered to work with AKC over the interim and next year to come up with a
comprehensive solution to this problem instead of hurriedly adding an extensive
amendment at this time. AKC greatly appreciates and looks forward to working
with Delegate Graves on a solution that is best for the animals and those who
suffer from this disorder.
The bill now goes to the Senate where it will likely be acted on in the
upcoming days before Session ends on April 10.
What You Can Do:
• Contact Delegate Dianna Graves and thank her for the inclusion of
AKC’s requested amendments and her willingness to work with AKC on the animal
hoarding issue. If you are a constituent in Kanawha or Putnam Counties, or
participate in events in her district, be sure to mention that when contacting
her.
• Contact your Senator today and express your support of the bill as
amended. Click here to find the name and contact information for your Senator.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to monitor this legislation.
For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@xxxxxxx.C GR at
doglaw@xxxxxxx.
Take Action!
Stormy Hope
LLARTC
NAIATrust, Trustee
NAIATrust-CA on Facebook!
GSDCA Legislative Liaison to AKC
California Responsible Pet
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