Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In West Virginia, animal cruelty laws are designed to protect animals from mistreatment and abuse. Under West Virginia Code §61-8-19, it is illegal to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly mistreat or abuse an animal. This includes acts of neglect, such as failing to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, as well as more severe actions like torture, maiming, mutilation, or killing of an animal. The state distinguishes between misdemeanor and felony offenses, with more serious penalties for aggravated cruelty, which involves intentional infliction of pain, suffering, or death upon an animal. Penalties for animal cruelty in West Virginia can include fines, imprisonment, and mandatory community service, as well as potential forfeiture of the abused animal to a humane officer or shelter.