Increase penalties for abuse of or cruelty to animals

HB 4130 increases criminal penalties for animal cruelty and establishes new requirements for pet owners and breeders in West Virginia. It mandates that owners confine unspayed female dogs during heat cycles and requires all owners to provide adequate food, shelter, and medical care for companion animals. Dog breeders must now provide written care disclosures to buyers and meet minimum standards for animal welfare. The bill also updates humane officer duties to include reporting suspected abuse of vulnerable humans (children, elderly, or domestic violence cases) and adds mental health treatment options for animal hoarding situations.