To increase the protections for the welfare of domestic animals

HB 5207 strengthens animal welfare protections in West Virginia by requiring owners to confine unspayed female dogs during heat cycles and establishing a clear duty of care for companion animals. The bill creates new criminal penalties for animal hoarding and unlawful confinement, increases fines for repeat cruelty offenses, and mandates humane officers to report suspected abuse of vulnerable humans (like children or elderly adults) to relevant agencies. It also updates facility requirements for stray and abandoned animals, including public access to shelters, and revises humane officers' duties and enforcement procedures. These changes directly affect pet owners, animal shelters, law enforcement, and courts handling animal welfare cases.