Creating felony offense of cruelty to animals

SB 201 creates a new felony offense for severe animal cruelty in West Virginia, directly affecting individuals who intentionally cause serious injury or death to domestic animals, fail to provide necessary care to end suffering, abandon animals without veterinary care, or leave them unattended in vehicles causing death. Key provisions include felony penalties of up to $3,000 fines and 3 years in prison for basic violations, and harsher penalties (up to $5,000 fines and 5 years imprisonment) for intentional torture, mutilation, or malicious killing. Misdemeanor charges apply for reckless mistreatment (e.g., withholding food/shelter), with fines up to $2,000 or 6 months in jail. The law excludes lawful farming, hunting, fishing, and standard agricultural practices, and requires animal forfeiture to humane societies upon conviction.