CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A newly introduced bill in the West Virginia Legislature aims to prohibit individuals from bringing non-service animals into grocery stores and other retail establishments that sell food.
House Bill 2656, sponsored by Delegate Elliott Pritt (R-Fayette) and co-sponsored by Delegate Thomas Clark (R-Webster), would amend state law to enforce restrictions on animals in food-related businesses.
Under the proposed legislation, only registered service animals would be allowed inside these establishments.
Delegate Pritt says that the bill is intended to address growing concerns over sanitation and food safety in grocery stores and restaurants.
“The intention of this bill is to target situations where people feel it’s acceptable to bring their household pets into grocery stores or places where food is being sold or prepared. It’s a sanitation and food safety issue. If their animal is not a service animal, it shouldn’t be out in a grocery store or restaurant. It’s just that simple,” Pritt said.
“When did this become acceptable? It’s not a grocery store employee’s job to scoop animal waste or clean up animal urine. It’s unsanitary. It’s unsafe. And it’s inconsiderate to others.”
Violators of the proposed law could face a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, with repeat offenders subject to fines of up to $1,000.
The bill seeks to address concerns over hygiene and public health in food retail environments.
If passed, the measure would create a new section in West Virginia law, designated as §19-20-27, under the state’s regulations on dogs and cats.
HB 2656 has been introduced in the House and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
