2023 West Virginia Code › Chapter 19. Agriculture › Article 34. Dangerous Wild Animals Act › §19-34-6. Permit Applications, Requirements, Issuance and Revocation

(a) Application. -– A person applying for a permit to possess a dangerous wild animal shall submit an application that includes the following:
(1) A fee established by the board for each dangerous wild animal;
(2) The name, address and telephone number of the applicant, and the address where the dangerous wild animal is located;
(3) A description of each dangerous wild animal, including the scientific name, common name, permanent and unique identifier, and any information that would aid in the identification of the animal; and
(4) A description of the exact location on the property and a description of the enclosure or cage where each dangerous wild animal is kept.
(b) Permit requirements and restrictions. -– The application shall state, and the person shall acknowledge his or her understanding, that:
(1) He or she may not breed, receive or replace a dangerous wild animal;
(2) He or she shall notify the sheriff or humane officer in his or her county immediately if the dangerous wild animal escapes;
(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;
(4) He or she has not been convicted for an offense involving the abuse or neglect of any animal;
(5) He or she has not had a permit or license concerning the care, possession, exhibition, breeding or sale of a dangerous wild animal revoked or suspended by a governmental agency;
(6) He or she shall permanently mark each dangerous wild animal with a unique identifier;
(7) He or she shall maintain records for each dangerous wild animal, including veterinary records, acquisition papers, the purchase date and other records that prove ownership of the dangerous wild animal;
(8) He or she presents proof of liability insurance in an amount of not less than $300,000 with a deductible of not more than $250 for each occurrence of property damage, bodily injury or death caused by a dangerous wild animal possessed by the person;
(9) He or she shall notify the board not less than three days before a dangerous wild animal is transferred to another person out of state;
(10) He or she may not transfer dangerous wild animals in the state without the written consent of the board;
(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
(12) He or she shall comply with all rules promulgated by the board pursuant to the provisions of this article.
(c) The board may issue a permit to possess a dangerous wild animal if it determines that the applicant has met the requirements of this article.
(d) The board shall take final action upon all completed permit applications within thirty days of receipt if the application is uncontested, or within ninety days if the application is contested.
(e) A permit to possess a dangerous wild animal is valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually.