§ 19-34-5 — Dangerous Wild Animal Board; composition; duties

West Virginia § 19-34-5

• Jurisdiction: West Virginia
• Ch. 19: AGRICULTURE
• Art. 34: DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS ACT

Text

(a) The Dangerous Wild Animal Board is established with the following members: The Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Department of Health and the Director of the Division of Natural Resources, or their designees. The board shall develop a comprehensive list of dangerous wild animals pursuant to the rule-making authority of this article.

(b) The Commissioner of Agriculture shall serve as the chair, the Secretary of the Department of Health as the vice chair and the Director of the Division of Natural Resources shall serve as the secretary of the board. The Department of Agriculture shall provide necessary staff and support services to the board as needed.

(c) The board shall:

(1) Establish minimum caging or enclosure requirements for various dangerous wild animals;

(2) Create a comprehensive list of dangerous wild animals, excluding wildlife, livestock and domestic animals as defined herein. The list may include, but not be limited to:

(A) Bears;

(B) Big cats;

(C) Canids;

(D) Primates;

(E) Constrictor snakes greater than six feet, and venomous snakes; and

(F) Alligators and caimans;

(3) Enforce the permit requirements and set the fees for permits;

(4) Issue, renew, revoke and maintain records for dangerous wild animal permits;

(5) Annually review the list of prohibited dangerous wild animals to determine if animals should be added or subtracted from the list; and

(6) Address any other issues required by this article.

Legislative History

2024 Reg. Sess., HB4274; 2014 Reg. Sess., HB4393; 2013 Reg. Sess., SB466; 2013 Reg. Sess., SB490