Animal Law Legal Research Guide

Navigate this page to find West Virginia state and federal primary sources useful for animal law practice. 

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Federal statutes specifically addressing animal law issues are listed below with links to access these statutes across platforms. 

Animal Welfare Act

The federal Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2131 et seq.) regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. The USDA provides an overview of the act and other helpful resources on this webpage.

Westlaw 

Lexis+ 

Office of the Law Revision Council 

Legislative history from ProQuest Legislative Insight 

Humane Methods of Slaughter Act

The federal Humane Methods of Slaughter Act  (7 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.) requires the proper treatment and humane handling of all food animals slaughtered in USDA inspected slaughter plants. The USDA provides an overview of the act and other helpful resources on this webpage.

Westlaw 

Lexis+ 

Office of the Law Revision Council 

Legislative history from ProQuest Legislative Insight 

West Virginia Statutes

West Virginia Code

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Michie's West Virginia Code. on Lexis+ 

West Virginia Code on West Virginia Legislature Website 

West Virginia statutes specifically addressing animal law are listed below with links to the code on the West Virginia Legislature website.

West Virginia Code Chapter 7 Article 10 – Humane Officers

Article 10 includes statutory provisions such as the following:

§7-10-3. Cruel treatment of animal drawing or in vehicle; custody and care thereof by humane officers.

§7-10-4. Custody and care of animals abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated; hearing; bonds; liability for costs; liens; exclusions.

§7-10-4a. Reporting of animals abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated; enforcement.

§7-10-5. Destruction of animals.

W.Va. Code Chapter 19 Article 20 – Dogs and Cats

Article 20 includes statutory provisions such as the following:

§19-20-12. Dogs, other animals and reptiles protected by law; unlawful killing thereof; aggrieved owner's remedy; penalties; penalties for unlawful stealing of companion animals.

§19-20-13. Dog running at large; liability of owner.

W.Va. Code Chapter 61 Article 8 – Crimes Against Chastity, Morality and Decency

Article 8 includes statutory provisions such as the following:

§ 61-8-19. Cruelty to animals; penalties; exclusions

§61-8-21. Search warrants relating to cruelty to animals.

Federal Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations

Westlaw 

Lexis+ 

eCFR.gov 

Govinfo.gov 

Federal Register

Westlaw 

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FederalRegister.gov 

Govinfo.gov 

West Virginia Regulations

West Virginia Code of State Rules

Westlaw 

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West Virginia Secretary of State Website