Creating felony offense of cruelty to animals

SB 150 creates new felony charges for severe animal cruelty in West Virginia, directly affecting individuals who intentionally or recklessly cause serious harm or death to domestic animals. Key provisions prohibit causing serious injury/death, failing to end suffering, abandoning animals without veterinary care, and leaving animals unattended in vehicles leading to death, with penalties including up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 fines. Misdemeanor penalties apply for lesser violations like reckless mistreatment or withholding basic needs, with fines up to $2,000. The law explicitly excludes standard farming, hunting, animal training, and livestock operations under accepted industry practices.