Relating to shelter for animals

HB 5550 amends West Virginia law to clarify and strengthen the definition of proper shelter for tethered or roaming free dogs. It requires shelters to be four-sided, roofed, moisture-proof, windproof, and ventilated with suitable bedding (like hay or straw), while prohibiting inadequate options such as cardboard boxes, vehicles, or exposed porches. The bill also limits tethering outside to 30 minutes during extreme weather (85°F+ heat, 32°F or below cold, or severe storms) unless the dog is a working dog inspected as safe by animal control. These requirements directly affect dog owners and animal control officers, ensuring dogs have adequate protection from weather conditions.