WV: West Virginia
Summary: SB 200 (2026, effective June 11, 2026) created a new police animal statute, § 61-5-30 (repealing § 19-20-24). Willful injury is a misdemeanor, serious injury is a felony of 1 to 5 years, and killing is a felony of 2 to 10 years with a $2,000 to $5,000 fine. Nothing was found on vests, EMS, retirement or retired care.
Body armor
- None found.
Medical & insurance
- None found. W. Va. Code § 30-10-17(i) exempts unpaid emergency treatment of animals from vet licensing.
Retirement & service limits
- None found.
Post retirement care
- None found.
Penalties for harming police animals
- W. Va. Code § 61-5-30, created by SB 200 (2026 RS), lead sponsor Sen. Weld; sponsors Phillips and Deeds. It also amended § 61-2-10b (assaults on public service workers and officers) and repealed § 19-20-24. Penalties for dogs and other trained public safety animals under an officer's control:
- Willful injury: misdemeanor, $200 to $1,000 and/or up to 1 year in jail.
- Serious injury: felony, $1,000 to $3,000 and/or 1 to 5 years.
- Killing: felony, $2,000 to $5,000 and/or 2 to 10 years.
- Self defense and official euthanasia exceptions apply.
- The legislature records it as approved by the Governor 3/25/2026; Chapter 100, Acts 2026; effective June 11, 2026.
Pending or failed bills
- HB 2395 (2025) and HB 5419 (2026), lead sponsor Del. Pinson. "Providing protection for search and rescue group dogs" (amends §§ 30-29-1 and 61-2-10b). Both died in House Judiciary (introduced 2/14/25 and 2/10/26).
Sources
- SB 200 (2026) history: http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?btype=bill&input=200&sessiontype=RS&year=2026
- § 61-5-30: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/61-5-30/ (PDF: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/pdf/61-5-30/)
- HB 2395 (2025): https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2395&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
- HB 5419 (2026): https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5419&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
- K9 Medic map: https://www.k9medic.com/k9-laws/