Relating to Animal Abuse

HB 5335 prohibits sexual abuse of animals in West Virginia, defining it as touching an animal’s mouth, anus, or sex organs for sexual gratification. It creates new misdemeanor and felony offenses with penalties including fines ($300-$10,000), jail time (up to 10 years), and mandatory forfeiture of the animal to the owner. Convicted individuals face minimum 5-year (misdemeanor) or 15-year (felony) bans on owning animals, plus costs for animal care and a required psychiatric evaluation. The bill directly affects anyone engaging in or facilitating sexual abuse of animals, including those who permit it on their property or involve minors.