Establishing offense of assault or injury of service animal

SB 688 creates a new criminal offense in West Virginia for recklessly harming or interfering with service animals that assist people with disabilities. It prohibits actions like striking, taunting, throwing objects at, or obstructing service animals - whether they are actively working or the offender knows the animal is a service animal. Violators face up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, or both, plus full restitution for costs including veterinary care, replacement animal expenses, and lost income for the handler. The bill directly affects service animal handlers and anyone who harms these animals during their duties.