Source: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/wv-exotic-pets-article-34-dangerous-wild-animals-act
Timestamp: 2018-02-24 16:03:22
Document Index: 148578512

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 2132', '§ 2132', '§ 2132', '§ 2132']

WV - Exotic Pets - Article 34. Dangerous Wild Animals Act | Animal Legal & Historical Center
Full Statute Name: West's Annotated Code of West Virginia - Chapter 19. Agriculture - Article 34. Dangerous Wild Animals Act
Popular Title: Dangerous Wild Animals Act Primary Citation: W. Va. Code, § 19-34-1 to 9 Country of Origin: United States Last Checked: February, 2018 Alternate Citation: WV ST § 19-34-1 to 9 Date Adopted: 2014
Summary: The State of West Virginia found the possession of dangerous wild animals to present a serious public health and safety concern. Because of this, the state prohibits a person from possessing a dangerous wild animal unless the animal was owned prior to June 1, 2015 and the owner obtained a permit. Under this statute, a “Dangerous wild animal” means a mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or aquatic animal, including a hybrid that is dangerous to humans, other animals or the environment due to its inherent nature and capability to do significant harm.
§ 19-34-1. Findings and purpose
§ 19-34-2. Definitions
§ 19-34-3. Rule-making authority
§ 19-34-4. Prohibition on the possession of a dangerous wild animal; exceptions
§ 19-34-5. Dangerous Wild Animal Board; composition; duties
§ 19-34-6. Permit applications, requirements, issuance and revocation
§ 19-34-7. Confiscation and disposition of animals; suspension and revocation of permits
§ 19-34-8. Exemptions
§ 19-34-9. Criminal and civil penalties
Acts 2014, c. 40, eff. June 4, 2014.
(2) “Dangerous wild animal” means a mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or aquatic animal, including a hybrid, that is dangerous to humans, other animals or the environment due to its inherent nature and capability to do significant harm. “Wildlife”, as defined by section two, article one, chapter twenty of this code, “livestock”, as defined in section two, article ten-b, chapter nineteen of this code, and “domestic animals”, as defined in this section, are excluded.
(3) “Domestic animal” means an animal which, through extremely long association with humans, has been bred to a degree which has resulted in genetic changes affecting the temperament, color, conformation or other attributes of the species to an extent that makes it unique and distinguishable from a wild individual of its species, and includes an animal that has been bred as a companion animal.
(a) Application. -- A person applying for a permit to possess a dangerous wild animal shall submit an application that includes the following:
(b) Permit requirements and restrictions. -- The application shall state, and the person shall acknowledge his or her understanding, that:
(3) He or she may not allow the dangerous wild animal to come into physical contact with a person other than the permitee, the animal's designated handler, an employee of a law-enforcement agency enforcing this article or a veterinarian administering medical treatment or care;
(11) He or she shall notify the board of any plans to move or change his or her address, and may not move the animal without the written consent of the board. However, in the event of a medical emergency, a dangerous wild animal may be transported to a licensed veterinarian's facility for treatment and care if the animal is at all times confined sufficiently to prevent escape; and
Acts 2014, c. 40, eff. June 4, 2014; Acts 2017, c. 113, eff. July 6, 2017.
(5) A research facility as defined in the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. § 2132(e), as amended;
(6) A circus that is an incorporated, Class c licensee under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. § 2132(e), as amended;
(7) A person displaying dangerous wild animals at a fair or festival that is a licensed exhibitor under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. § 2132(e), as amended; and
(b) Qualified exemption. -- The permitting provisions of this article do not apply to exhibitors or dealers licensed as of January 1, 2014, under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S C. § 2132(e), as amended, and at the time the rules become effective and who continue to have a valid exhibitor or dealer license. The board may revoke this exemption as to exhibitors or dealers that have repeated, uncorrected citations in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, a conviction for violation of an animal cruelty statute or a violation of sections seven or nine of this article.
(d) Civil penalty. -- A person convicted of an offense under this article is liable for all costs, including personnel costs, expended by the county or state agencies involved with the capture, confinement, transfer or euthanasia of a dangerous wild animal.