Clarifying what constitutes shelter for animals exposed to cold weather

SB 174 clarifies the legal definition of "shelter" for animals exposed to cold weather in West Virginia, directly affecting pet owners, animal caretakers, and shelters. It specifies that proper shelter must be a four-sided, roofed structure (moisture-proof, windproof, ventilated) with at least 100 square feet per animal over four months, using approved bedding like straw or hay - excluding items like cardboard boxes, drums, or vehicles. The bill also prohibits keeping animals tethered or outdoors for more than 30 minutes during extreme cold (32°F or below), severe weather, or heat (85°F+), while exempting working agricultural animals. These changes aim to ensure animals have adequate protection during weather extremes under existing cruelty laws.