Increase penalties for abuse of or cruelty to animals

HB 3044 increases penalties for animal cruelty and updates protections for domestic animals in West Virginia. It directly affects pet owners, dog breeders, animal shelters, and humane officers by requiring breeders to provide written disclosures to buyers, setting minimum care standards, and defining when dogs are unfit for sale. Key provisions include raising fines for repeat cruelty offenses, creating new criminal penalties for animal hoarding and unlawful confinement, and mandating humane officers to report suspected child/elder abuse during cruelty investigations. The bill also clarifies enclosure requirements (e.g., limiting temporary confinement to 48 hours) and updates duties for animal care facilities. Introduced in February 2025, it is currently before the House Government Organization Committee.