FOHO Legislative Action News Brief

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FOHO WV

Legislative Action

Newsflash

 

Gov. Tomblin has finally signed the Puppy Mill Bill!   Five long years for this bill and the Spay Neuter Bill to get through the Legislature.   Both have been tweaked but they still passed.   We will provide more of an update on exactly what each bill means for the animals of WV soon.   For now, let's just enjoy our measure of success!   Thanks to all of you who made calls, sent emails and went to Charleston.  You truly were the voice for these animals!

Also there is an excellent OP ED on Puppy Mills and why we needed this bill, in the Charleston Gazette, from Summer Wyatt, WV Director of HSUS.
http://www.wvgazette.com/Opinion/OpEdCommentaries/201305020086?display=print
 

And, if you missed the Today Show on May 1st, you can watch it here about the AKC raising dogs in miserable conditions.  We know this but now the public is starting to find this out  http://www.today.com/news/akc-registered-breeders-raising-dogs-miserable-conditions-6C9640008

_________________________________________________________________________

FOHO WV Legislative Action position papers now available on the following topics:

Spay Neuter Funding for West Virginia - why we need it! 
(PDF)
Breed Specific Bans :  why they do not work and good alternatives to them  - 
(PDF)
Jo Staats, FOHO WV Legislative Action board member is working with Bluefield citizens to halt a proposed ban on specific breeds of dogs....Read more about it below in the article "Zero tolerance on breed specific bans
Puppy Mills or Large Commercial Breeding Facilities - why this cruelty needs to be regulated! 
(PDF)

The information in these position papers is provided for your use in arguing for these issues.  Help us to be the voice for the animals of West Virginia.  Please distribute this information to your legislators to support our efforts.    Help us to help the animals of WV! 

 

Daily Activity at the 2012 State Legislature PDF Print E-mail
Written by Theresa Bruner   
Thursday, 12 January 2012 03:46

 

On 4/4/12, Governor Tomblin vetoed the Exotics Bill. The story is that it was vetoed on the concerns of the DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources) that they had neither the funding nor the ability to enforce this bill. The Governor signed into law SB 75 which is the equine facility act. This law becomes effective 7-1-12.

Sylvia Shafer who is the main lobbyist for Charleston Kanawha Humane Society & also the Associate Director of FOHO WV Legislative Action provided us with first-hand reports from the Capital during the past 2012 legislative session.   Only 2 animal bills made it through the legislative session out of many.  SB 477, exotics regulation and SB 75 which has to do with standards for horse rescues.    We will leave this information posted for a while and then we will archive it along with past legislative sessions on this site.    We are starting now to prepare for legislative 2013.  Your shelter may be contacted for information to complete a much needed survey on animal deaths, operating expenses, etc as we prepare our convincing arguments to again gain spay neuter funding from the WV State Legislature. 

You can read any of these bills by going to left menu on this site 2012 WV Legislature/Search...click on bill status and then enter the bill number.   Find your legislator and their contact information using that legislative search, go to bottom right of site and enter in your zip code. 

You will read Sylvia's daily log of activity and then occasionally you will note a FOHO WV Legislative Action comment. 

 

Mar. 10

SB 477:   The Senate just concurred with the House Amendment. Now the bill will move on to the Governor's desk to be signed or vetoed.
Sylvia
 
SB 75 has passed and is on the way to the Governor's Office.
SB 477 passed the House with 27 delegates voted against the bill and all but four were Republicans.
The Democrats that voted NO are Craig of Cabell, Marcum of Mingo, Reynolds of Cabell and Rodighiero of Logan.
 
The following are all Republicans: Anderson of Wood, Andes of Putnam, Border of Wood, Canterbury of Greenbrier, Cowles of Morgan, Gearheart of Mercer, Householder of Berkeley, Howell of Mineral, Kump of Berkeley, Lane of Kanawha, C. Miller of Cabell, J Miller of Berkeley, Nelson of Kanawha, O'Neal of Raleigh, Pasdon of Monongalia, Romine of Tyler, Rowan of Hampshire, Savilla of Putnam, Sigler of Nicholas, Snuffer of Raleigh, Sobonya of Cabell, Sumner of Raleigh, and Walters of Kanawha.
Please do not try to read the bill until the Enrolled Sub is on the state website. The amendment will be in that version. The Rules are to be written by DNR after public hearings to determine which animals are to be covered in this law. The law becomes effective 7-1-12 but not really. The Rules must be promulgated by the Legislators after the Rules are written. This will probably be in the 2013 session.  Sylvia
 
FOHO WV Legislative Action note: It is important to note who votes for and against animal bills.  Animal advocates support animal measures with their vote for those who represent their interest. 

Mar. 8
Our spay/neuter and puppy mill bills died last night. This is heartbreaking. Thanks to all of you who have helped. I would like to see a hundred or more of you come to Charleston for an Animal Day to show the legislators that we have many people who care about animals. If we show up on the same day wearing animal shirts, we will have more of an impact.   More on this later.
SB 75 and SB 477 are still alive but all other animal bills are dead.   Sylvia

FOHO WV Legislative Action note:
 Very sad for WV animals. See our note on March
7  for reasons to support the two animal bills that are left. Exotics, SB 477 and 
Equine Facilities Act, SB 75. They are very important too. 
 
Mar. 7
SB 75 The Equine Facilities Act passed out of  House Judiciary this afternoon.  It will have three readings on the floor of the house with the 3rd being on Sat. March 10th, the end of the session for passage or failure. 
SB 477.  The Exotic bill also passed out of House Judiciary this afternoon. This bill was amended by that committee. It is still a good bill. The Rules will have to be written next session (2013) and the animals will be named that are covered by this bill. They should only be the dangerous exotics such as lions, etc. Even if this bill passes this session, it will not be effective until after the 2013 session. Please do not listen to rumors that you cannot keep your hamster or parrot. This bill deserves your support. Like SB 75 it will be up for passage on Sat. Since the 477 was amended today, when it passes the House, it must go back to the Senate for concurrence.
If  you support either of these bills, please email your members of the House of Delegates and ask them to support the bill.
Sylvia
 
FOHO WV Legislative Action note: Ginnie Maurer, FOHO Legislative Action Board Member and founder of Animal Advocates of WV provides reasons to support these two bills!!
SB 75 -  Equine Facilities Act We need to protect the animals of this state from unscrupulous individuals who are in humane in their treatment of animals in their care and under their protection. Berkeley County does not want to see a repeat of the horse rescue facility issue that occurred in the summer of 2010 (www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/west-virginia-rescue-organization-accused-of-starving-horses-091510).
 
SB 477 Exotics Regulation Bill: WV was found to be one of the few states with NO regulations on exotics ownership.  No one wants to witness the killing of exotic animals as we all saw occur last year in Zanesville, Ohio. Yet, we have had our own incidents of wild exotic animals going on the rampage. For instance, in July 1998 in Sprague, West Virginia, a pet chimpanzee escaped from his enclosure and jumped into a postal truck, forcing the driver to flee and causing the truck to crash. The chimp followed the postal worker out of the truck, and the two grappled until the chimp’s owner intervened. In August 2000, this same chimpanzee escaped his cage and bit two individuals while roaming his neighborhood. In 2001 in Berkeley County, a pet monkey bit three children; the monkey was relocated to a sanctuary. In 2003 in Buckhannon, a pet lemur escaped from his home. In 2005 in Huntington, a child was bitten by a capuchin monkey. In 2006 in Pocahontas County, a 400-pound Asian brown bear escaped from his enclosure and was never found. In 2007 in Greenbrier County, a deer hunter reported seeing a250- to 300-pound male African lion in the woods; the Department of Natural Resources confirmed this was the second report they had received about the lion. In 2008 in Pocahontas County, an escaped tiger was killed by his owner in the Monongahela National Forest.
 
 
Mar. 6
All of our bills seem to be stuck in a committee. Tomorrow is the last day for them to move out of committee and to the floor. If you did not send your emails, please do so tonight.   Thanks to all of you who have helped.
Sylvia

Mar. 1
SB 479 the spay/neuter assistance bill was heard this morning in the House Agriculture Committee. It passed this committee and then moved to the House Finance Committee. Please send emails or call the chair of Finance committee asking that he place this bill on his agenda. Delegate White 304 340-3230 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  . Please also email the Vice Chair Delegate Campbell with the same request. 304 340-3250 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you have any of the other members of this committee in your district, please email them asking to support the bill. I will send a separate email with the committee names.
 
All animal bills except for the following died yesterday. The bills still alive are as follows:
SB 75 Equine Facilities Act
SB 406 Puppy Mill Bill
SB 421 Deer Farm Bill
SB 477 Exotic bill
SB 479 Spay/Neuter Assistance
SB 527 Livestock trespassing Sylvia
 
 
FOHO WV Legislative Action note:
Make sure to add this video link to your email to the delegates.
http://youtu.be/WK20pAPE84U   WV Spay Neuter Assistance Funding Video
 
Finance Committee members:
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Feb. 29
This late in a session, it is very difficult to get notices out in time for emails or calls. I found out this afternoon that SB 479 will be heard in the House Agriculture Committee 3-1 at 8:30am. It is too late to get your support emails out as they won't see them until after the vote.  This bill has a second reference to Finance that may or may not be required. I will send out notices tomorrow afternoon as to whether we need to email the Finance Committee.
 
SB 421 Deer Farms moving under the Dept. of Agriculture was sent to the Judiciary Comm. If you support this bill, please email or call Delegate Miley and ask him to place the bill on his agenda. 304 340-3242 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
SB 527 The general livestock trespassing bill will also be heard tomorrow morning in House AG. at 8:30am. Sylvia


FOHO WV Legislative Action note: If your delegate is on the House Ag Committee, send an email in support of the bill. Make sure to add the NEW video link to any email that you send in support of SB 479 to your delegate. It is the new video for delegates!
 
Feb 28th
SB 479 The Spay/Neuter Assistance bill passed the Senate today with one Nay vote by Senator Facemeyer of Jackson Co.
This bill now moves to the House. I will let you know tomorrow which committee to contact.
 
SB 421 Putting deer farms under Agriculture passed the Senate today with 8 Nay votes. The nays were Barnes from Randolph, Browing from Wyoming, Fanning from McDowell, Kirkendoll from Logan, Klempa from Ohio, Prezioso from Marion, Stollings from Boone and Yost from Brooke. This bill now moves to the House. I will let you know tomorrow which committee to contact.
 
All of the following Senate bills are now in the House.
SB 75 Creating Equine Rescue Facilities Act
SB 406  The Kennel bill
SB 477 Limiting possession of wild and exotic animals
Sylvia
 
FOHO Legislative Action note: With only one day to spare, we made it! SB 479 passed the Senate and now moves to the House. Thanks to those who made the call to your Senator! Get ready to send your round of emails to your Delegates in the House. 

Feb. 27
SB 479 was read the second time today and was not further amended. Tomorrow, 2-28 it will have the third reading which is passage or failure. If you have not emailed your senators, please do so today or tonight. Please ask them to support the passage of the Spay/Neuter Assistance Act.   Thanks,   Sylvia
FOHO WV Legislative Action note:   Send your Senator a link to the SB 479 video when you email for their support.  It delivers a powerful message!  This is the LINK to our SB 479 video:  http://youtu.be/NVUpeIKKme8   (thanks to Jo Staats for putting it together along with the Stop SPOT FB page!)

Feb. 24
GREAT NEWS   
SB 479 the spay/neuter assistance bill was heard in Senate Judiciary this morning and is already on the floor. This bill will have its 2nd reading on Monday. Please use www.legis.state.wv.us to find your senators and send them an email asking them to please support the passage of this bill. Please call or email this weekend or at the latest early Monday morning.   Thanks, Sylvia
 
FOHO WV Legislative Action note: This is good news. We have to keep up the work of getting SB 479 passed. Now you must contact your Senator to vote for this on the floor. Then it goes to the House Ag. Committee where you will have to contact your delegates and then to the floor of the House. Then I believe it goes back to the Senate.   We will keep you posted of each step. We are doing well thanks to your phone calls and emails. We have to keep this up for these animals. It may not be exactly the bill we wanted but it will be the best (ONLY) spay/neuter bill (EVER) to come out of the WV State Legislature. And that says something very positive about our animal welfare movement in WV!  
 
Remember you can check the legislative site from this site by doing the legislative search to the left and the WV Legislature will appear below for your search of your Representative.  

Feb. 22

SB 406 the puppy mill bill passed the Senate today and is on its way to the House Judiciary. On Monday 2-27 please contact Tim Miley 304 340-3252 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it asking him to please place this bill on his committee agenda. Be sure to read the latest version of the bill.
 
HB 4427 This is livestock in dire conditions passed out of the House AG. Committee with amendments. Please read the latest version of the bill. I am not sure about this bill as I do not see a need. But there again, I do not live in a rural county. If you support the bill, please contact Tim Miley 304 340-3252 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
SB 479 passed out of Senate Agriculture Committee and will next be heard in Senate Judiciary. Please contact Corey Palumbo and ask him to put this bill on his committee agenda. 304 357-7880 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This bill is completely revised. Please wait until the Comm. Sub is on the internet. The fee on pet food is gone and the State Dept. of Agriculture is to receive $50,000 every year that they will disburse for spay/neuter. There is also a way to donate on your state taxes. This is not what we wanted, but it is better than nothing. We were told to come back next year and try in increase the yearly disbursement amount. TIME IS VERY SHORT. PLEASE CONTACT PALUMBO TONIGHT OR TOMORROW MORNING. Sylvia
 
FOHO WV Legislative Action note- Yes we are disappointed that the Pet Food Industry gets off again while we use WV taxpayer money to fund the spay neuter initiative. But this is a victory in that the Dept. of Ag. Now will administer this fund and it includes $50K and the tax check off .  Make sure to watch this video put together by Jo Staats, FOHO WV Legislative board member and the person who did the Facebook page.   She will be updating the video to reflect the changes in the bill but for now it is really good to watch.   http://youtu.be/0wNgJi1UWDw
 
     
Feb 20
This link is to a Facebook page called "STOP SPOT." This is in response to a Facebook page called SPOT that was produced by the pet food industry to kill SB 479 which is the spay/neuter assistance bill. Please give a comment in support of the bill, LIKE AND SHARE.
 
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.417388257857.192762.238097537857&type=3&saved#!/SB479?sk=info     This is a new fan page to “Stop Spot”. Please send it to all of your friends!
SB 479 The spay/neuter assistance bill was heard in the Agriculture Committee this afternoon. A represenative of the Food Industry from Pittsburgh testified against the bill.Theresa Brunner testified for the bill (she did a great job.) The bill was placed in a sub committee and will be heard again on Wed. 2-22 at 9AM in Room 208W. Please plan to attend if you can. If you have not already contacted your senators who are on the Agriculture Committee, please do so. This bill needs your help. I will forward the email with the senators listed.
 
SB 406 The Kennel Bill sometimes called the Puppymill bill was laid over today while on 2nd reading. The reason was Senator Facemyer from Jackson Co. wants the bill amended to exclude "Hobby breeders." This amendment will be heard tomorrow  2-21 by the full Senate at 11am. We are hoping the amendment will be defeated. The 3rd and final reading of this bill will be on Wed. 2-22.
 
Today was the last day that new bills could be introduced. The one exception is bills orginating in committees.
 
HB 4427 Livestock in dire or extreme condition will be heard Wed. 2-22 at 8:30am in the Goverment Org. chambers on the east 2nd floor wing.
 
SB 477 The exotic bill that has passed the Senate has moved to the House Judiciary Committee. On Monday 2-27, please send an email or call Delegate Tim Miley 304 340-3252 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   asking him to place this bill on his committee agenda.
 
SB 527 The livestock trespassing law that passed the Senate has moved to House Agriculture. On Monday 2-27 please send an email or call Delegate Greg Butcher 304 340-3113 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it asking him to place this bill on his committee agenda.
 
SB 75 The Equine Rescue Act that passed the Senate is now in House Judiciary, Again on Monday 2-27 call or email Delegate Miley asking him to place this bill on his committee agenda. 304 340-3252  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
ALL HOUSE BILLS MUST BE CLEARED OUT OF THE HOUSE BY 2-29 OR THEY ARE DEAD. THE SAME FOR SENATE BILLS. STARTING 3-1 THE HOUSE WILL WORK ON SENATE BILLS AND THE SENATE WILL WORK ON HOUSE BILLS. THE SESSION IS OVER 3-10.
 
 
Feb. 17
SB 75 Equine Rescue Facility Act has moved to the House Judiciary committee. If you support this bill please call or email Delegate Miley, chair of Judiciary, and ask him to place this bill on his agenda.304 340-3252 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Please wait until 2-26 before you start the emails.
 
SB 406 Puppy mill bill passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be on 1st reading on 2-17. Please read the 2nd com sub as there are changes.
SB 421 The cervid act is on 3rd reading 2-17
SB 477 Exotic animal bill is on 3rd reading 2-17
SB 527 Changing the livestock trespassing law is on 3rd reading 2-17
 
3rd reading is passage or failure. If these bills pass they will move to the House. Sylvia
 
 
Feb. 15
SB 75 Equine Horse Rescue passed the Senate today and is ordered to the House. I will not know until tomorrow which committee it is going to. It will probably be Agriculture
 
SB 421 Cervid Farming Act is on 2nd reading 2-16.
SB 477 Possession of wild and exotic animals is on 2nd reading 2-16
SB 527 Changing the livestock trespassing law in on 2nd reading 2-16.
2nd reading is the amendment stage on the floor of the Senate
 
SB 406 was heard in a sub-committee today and is ready to be passed out to the full Judiciary Committee. This bill has a sub com but will be changed again.
 
HB 4377 Creating the Nitro Law to honor fallen law enforcement cannines was heard in the House Agriculture committee today. This bill passed out and will be next heard in the House Judiciary Committee.
 
HB 4427 Procedure to address livestock in dire or extreme condition was heard today in the House Agriculture committee but has questions that need to be resolved. This bill stays in the Agriculture committee and will be heard again on 2-22 at 8:30am.    Sylvia
 
 
Feb. 13
SB 75 Equine Rescue bill will be heard on the Senate floor Tuesday 2-14. This is the amendment stage.
 
SB 105 Creating criminal offense for animal fighting involvement passed out of the Agriculture committee today and next moves to the Judiciary Committee.
 
SB 421 Creating the Captive Cervid Farming Act has passed out of the Judiciary Committee and now moves to floor for 1st reading. This bill moves captive deer farms out of control of DNR and places them under Dept. of Agriculture making captive deer livestock. This bill now has a committee sub.
 
SB 477 Limiting possession of wild and exotic animals has passes out of the Judiciary Committee and now moves to the Senate floor for 1st reading. This bill now has a 2nd sub which should be on the internet tomorrow or the next day.
 
SB 527 changing the laws on livestock trespassing has passed out of Judiciary and is now heading to the floor for 1st reading. This bill also has a sub.
When reviewing bills, the sub is the latest bill and means that a committee has substituted the original for their version.
 
SB 479 Spay/neuter assistance will be heard in the Agriculture Committee on 2-20 at 2pm. Please contact the members of this committee and ask them to support this much needed legislation.
Sylvia
 
FOHO WV Legislative note: Please make your calls to the Senate Ag committe to pass SB 479. The Dept. of Agriculture is working against us on this bill so we need to make our voices heard for getting this passed! Why is that? The Dept. of Ag does not want to take accept any responsibility for helping curb the pet over-population in WV. They want only to work with farming. They should be working with us on this issue!  
 
Feb 9
SB 553 was introduced today. The purpose of this bill is to provide a personal income tax deduction for people who have their dog or cats spayed or neutered. This is a great bill.  Please call Senator Prezioso on 304 357-7961 or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and request that he put this bill on the Committee of Finance agenda.  Also do the same for the vice chair Senator Facemire 304 357-7845 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This bill has a single reference to Finance. It has a Fiscal Note which means the bill will be more difficult to pass.
 
SB 479 is alive again thanks to the people who attended Lobby Day from FOHO.   Sylvia
 
FOHO WV Legislative Action Note:   Lobby Day was very beneficial today regarding SB 479, the spay/neuter funding assistance bill.   Senate President Jeff Kessler provided an opportunity for us to clarify points of SB 479 with Sen. Ag. Chair Miller putting this bill back on track.   
Please contact your Senator on the Agricultural Committee to pass this bill out of committee. 
Ronald Miller – Chair - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Bob Williams - Vice Chair
- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Robert D. Beach -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Karen L. Facemyer   - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
John Pat Fanning -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Walt Helmick - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
William R. Laird  - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Joseph M. Minard - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
David Nohe  - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Herb Snyder  - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dave Sypolt - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
 
Feb 8
SB 75 Creating the Equine Rescue Facilities Act.  Passed the Government Org. committee today. This bill now moves to the full Senate for first reading.
 
SB 105 Creating a criminal offense for animal fighting involvement will be heard Monday 2-13 at 2 pm in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The public is always welcome in these meetings.
 
SB 406 Regulating Commercial Dog Breeding Operations has been placed in a sub-committee. Meeting date has not been set. This bill is in trouble as written due mostly to hunting dog breeders.
 
SB 479 Creating Spay/Neuter Assistance Fund is dead as written. They may put it in a sub- committee while they try to find another revenue source.   See note below
 
SB 477 Limiting Possession of wild and exotic animals was heard today. The bill that was heard is a committee sub. You should be able to see the Committee Sub tomorrow or Friday. Be sure to read that version. This bill passed out of Natural Resources and is now in Senate Judiciary.
 
HOPE TO MEET SEVERAL OF YOU TOMORROW FEB 9 DURING ANIMAL DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE. SYLVIA
 
FOHO WV Legislative Action note – It is disheartening that SB 479 is stalled again. 45,000 unwanted animals died in WV Shelters in 2009. How many animals need to die to make this argument for curbing our pet over-population?   How many more tax dollars need to be spent to control our over-population problem?    SB 479 does not cost $1 of tax payer money, nor will it cost the Dept. of Agriculture any money from their existing budget to administer.  The money comes from a surcharge added to the existing permit/license fee already being paid by pet food companies to sell their product in our state.     Appeal to your Legislators why we need this funding!!!
 
Feb. 6 - Three new bills today:
 SB 527 I am only listing this bill due to many animal people having livestock such as horses. This bill is called "General Livestock Trespass Law." If you have interest in this bill, call Senator Miller 304 357-7959 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and ask him to place this bill on the Committee of Agriculture agenda.   If this bill passes out of AG, then it must go to Judiciary.
 
HB 4427 The purpose of this bill is to provide a procedure to address livestock in dire or extreme condition. I do not know enough about livestock to help make decisions. The County Commission shall establish a Livestock Committee. This bill first goes to Agriculture and then Judiciary. If you support this bill, please contact Delegate Greg Butcher and ask him to place this bill on his agenda. 304 340-3113 or email   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
HB 4432 This bill I really like. The purpose of this bill is to prohibit declination or termination of property insurance based solely upon possession of a certain breed of dog. Please contact Delegate Cliff Moore who is chair of Banking and ask him to place this bill on his agenda. 304 340-3189 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   This bill first goes to Banking and Insurance and then to Judiciary. Sylvia
 
 
Feb. 2
The time has come for all of us to get to work.
SB 477 was introduced today. The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the possession of wild and exotic animals. The bill provides for a permit for those in possession on the effective date, for limited exceptions to the prohibition and for removing the animals if they are kept in violation of this article. This is a good bill and much better than the HB 4344. This is the bill that we should work on. This bill first goes to the Committee on Natural Resources and then to Judiciary. If you support this bill please call or email the Chair of Natural Resources and ask him to place this bill on his agenda. The chair is Senator Laird 304 357-7849 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You should also email the vice chair Senator Fanning 304 357-7867 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
SB 479 We have been waiting on this bill and it is a very good bill.  The purpose of this bill is to create and fund the Spay/Neuter Assistance Fund. This is much needed to help control our animal overpopulation problem. It could save many animals lives. This bill first goes to Agriculture and then to Judiciary. Please call or email the chair of AG and ask him to place this bill on his committee agenda. The chair is Senator Miller 304 357-7959 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Also email the vice chair who is Senator Williams 304 357-7995 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
 
HB 4377 was introduced today This bill creates "Nitro Law" to honor fallen law enforcement canines and other canines in service of state and local government agencies and honor their handlers. This bill first goes to the committee on Agriculture and then to Judiciary.  To support this bill please call or email Delegate Greg Butcher and ask him to place this bill on his agenda 304 340-3113 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Please read these bills so you will know whether you wish to support them.   Thanks, Sylvia
 
*FOHO WV Legislative Action note on SB 479 – First this replaces SB 184!   Here are some points to persuade your legislators to support SB 479.  2009 statistics from animal shelters in WV show that 54% of all animals entering those shelters are euthanized. This overpopulation of unwanted pets must stop.  
SB 479 could raise $100,000 annually to help citizens statewide alter their animals. SB 479 proposes using funds that would come from a surcharge on the permit/license fee already being paid by pet food companies to the WV Dept. of Agriculture to sell their products in WV.  This surcharge would be segregated into a dedicated fund in the state treasury for S/N from a small increase in the fees paid by the pet food companies – not charged to the pet owner.
  WV State Code 19-23-10 already provides for a special ‘spay neuter’ fund for greyhounds in the state treasury, establishing a precedent for an account of this type. SNAP WV - which has already administered state funding of $25,000 for spay neuter grants around the state - stands  ready to assist in the administration of these monies.  
The ‘Pet Food Industry’ - seemingly recession-proof - is raking in billions of dollars from our dog and cat overpopulation.   They can become part of our solution. 
 
 
Jan. 30
SB 75 Creating Equine Rescue Facilities Act was heard today in the Senate Agriculture Committee. This bill passed out of the committee without amendments. It now goes to the Government Org. committee.
 
SB 421 Creating The Cervid Farming Act was heard today in the Senate Agriculture Committee. This bill passed out of the committee without amendments. It now goes to the Judiciary Committee.
 
HB 4344 was introduced today This bill relates to the control of potentially dangerous wild animals. This is the expected exotic bill. We are still expecting a senate bill to be introduced. PLEASE READ THIS BILL AS IT INVOLVES ANIMAL CONTROL, HUMANE OFFICERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT. Please read before you judge this bill. WV does not have any laws pertaining to exotics.  In other words, you can own a lion, elephant, or whatever you want in this state.  We do need some laws on the book before we have a problem such as Ohio recently had.    Sylvia
 
 
Jan. 25
SB 421 -  Creating Cervid Farming Act was introduced today. The purpose of this bill is to place cervids on deer farms under the control of the Dept. of Agriculture. This would place the deer under the heading of livestock. DNR would still control deer as wildlife that are not on a deer farm. The reason that I list this bill is that Humane Officers would investigate cruelty the same as if they were horses or cows. I do not have an opinion on this bill. This bill first goes to Senate Agriculture and then to Judiciary.   Sylvia
 
 
Jan. 24
Good news today. SB 406 was introduced this morning. This is the Kennel Bill or what is sometimes called the Puppy Mill Bill. The purpose of this bill is to regulate the Commercial Dog Breeding Operations. This has been much needed for several years and a person would have to own at least eleven breeding dogs to be considered commercial. This bill has a single reference and that is Judiciary. Please contact Senator Palumbo on 304 357-7880 or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Please tell him that you support this bill and to please place it on the Judiciary Committee Agenda. If you have Senators on the Judiciary Committee, please ask them to support the bill. You can find that out by following the directions above. Thanks, Sylvia
 
*FOHO WV Legislative Action note:    If you want to know more about ‘puppy mills’ and their existence in West Virginia, please read the article ‘Puppy Mills -- much worse than you thought by Ginnie Maurer on this website. We need to pass this legislation this session!

Jan. 20
Two animal bills were introduced today.

HB 4237 is a bill which involves white tailed deer. The Agriculture Dept would like to have meat deer farms. The purpose of this bill is to allow the inclusion of white-tailed deer and its subspecies in the definition of "non traditional agriculture." DNR and AG have been at odds for several years over this subject. At the current time, all deer farms are used for sporting. The aim is that you could buy venison at the grocery store if AG is in charge. This bill goes to House Natural Resources and then Judiciary.
 
HB 4246 The purpose of this bill is to create the “West Virginia Companion Animal Protection Act." Generally governing the manner in which animals are to be treated by sheltering agencies and rescue groups. The bill provides animal care standards, including humane treatment and killing of animals: requires record keeping; and among other things; provides for court mandate procedure to compel compliance with animal care standards. If you do not operate a shelter, this bill sounds good. But if you have ever worked with a shelter, you will know that it is a BAD bill as it cannot be enforced. There are not enough foster homes and rescues are full. There are some good standards of care in this bill but far too many restrictions on what shelters must do to comply before euthanasia. It also has not changed current state codes that are in effect. For instance, the current holding time for a stray is five days. This bill would change it to two. It also states that an owner’s animal must be held three days. The bill says animals, so this would also apply to cats. Since cats are not personal property, this is in conflict with current law. Please read the bill by going to www.legis.state.wv.us and enter the bill number on the home page. or go to www.fohowvla.org  Please call or email Delegate Butcher and tell him not to run this bill. His phone number is 304 340-3113 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  He has voice mail so you can leave a message. Please email the members of the House Agriculture Comm. and tell them that you do not support the bill. I know the bill sounds good but it is impossible for shelters to live with. Final thought the bill does not say who is going to enforce the requirements. That is a good question. Sylvia Shafer
 
*FOHO WV Legislative Action note.   Mandating anything without providing resources to accomplish your goals often results in disappointment and failure to meet those goals.  Standards of care for shelters and rescues are needed but we need to work together with these groups to define those standards.    FOHO WVLA believes HB 4246 could be the basis for much needed legislation. However, at this time, it needs further discussion and planning for implementation.     
 
Jan. 13
Two Senate Bills were introduced today.
SB 178 making it unlawful to harm a police dog.  this bill goes to Judiciary and then Finance>
SB 184 - Creating Spay/Neuter Assistance Fund.  This is a bill requested by FOHO WV Legislative Action and wis very much needed if we are ever going to reduce pet over-population.  I am requesting that FOHO WVLA review the bill and if this is what they want, we will start making phone calls and sending emails.  I will get back to you when I have their approval.  This bills first goes to Agriculaure and then on to Finance.  Sylvia

*FOHO WV Legislative Note – SB 184 is the old S/N bill and not the amended bill that we prefer. Do not take action on this bill yet.
 
Jan. 12
One bill was introduced today. It is HB 4011 relating to the distribution of funds from certain racing funds. This includes the spay/neuter of greyhounds. This bill goes to Agriculture and then Finance. Sylvia

Jan. 11
Three senate bills were introduced today.  Please do not take any action at this time.  I will let you know what to do later.
 
SB 75 which is creating the Equine Rescue Facilities Act. This bill first goes to the Agriculture Comm. and  then must go to Government Org.
SB 105 Creating Criminal Offense for Animal Fighting involvement. Bill first goes to Agriculture and then to Judiciary.
SB 128 Exempting veterinary medications from consumer and service tax. Bill first goes to Agriculture and then to Finance.
 
The House introduced several carry-over bills. These are bills that failed in the past and they are introducing them again with the original bill numbers. Again, do not take any action at this time.
 
HB 2015 Creating regulations for commercial dog breeding operations. Bill first goes to Agriculture and then Judiciary.
HB 2443 Prohibiting wagering at animal fighting ventures and providing a felony animal penalty. This bill first goes Judiciary and then to Finance.
HB 2716 Dangerous Dog Act. This bill first goes to Agriculture and then to Judiciary
HB 2190 Making it a criminal offense to disturb the peace. (This includes dogs barking and howling)  The bill first goes to Judiciary and then to Finance.
HB 2752 Relating to requirement and scope for registered vet. techs. This bill goes to Government Org.
HB 2883 Creating regulations for commercial dog breeding. This bill goes to Judiciary
HB 2917 Relating to the purchase and sale of dogs. This bill goes to Agriculture and then Judiciary.
HB 2991 Relating to the Fair Housing Act. This bill would make the State guidelines the same as Federal guidelines and applies to handicapped people who have a therapy or service dog. This bill goes to Judiciary.    Sylvia Shafer
 

 

Here is an article in the Register-Herald discussing the veto of the Exotic Animals Bill. 
Article on Exotic Animals Bill vetoed by Governor
 
Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 November 2012 16:18
 
 
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