Relating to Animal Abuse

HB 2068 prohibits the sexual abuse of animals in West Virginia, defining it as touching an animal's mouth, anus, or sex organs for sexual gratification. It bans actions like engaging in such abuse, aiding others in it, possessing animals for abuse, or forcing children to participate. Violators face misdemeanor penalties (up to 12 months jail or $2,000 fine) for basic offenses, or felony charges (up to 10 years jail or $10,000 fine) for repeat offenses, causing animal injury/death, or involving minors. Convicted individuals forfeit ownership of all animals, pay care costs, and face long-term bans on owning animals (5 years for misdemeanors, 15+ for felonies). The bill also requires psychiatric evaluations for offenders before probation can be granted.