CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A new bill introduced in the West Virginia Legislature would create a statewide Animal Abuse Registry, requiring people convicted of certain animal cruelty offenses to register with the West Virginia State Police for up to 10 years.
House Bill 5209, introduced during the 2026 regular session, aims to track individuals convicted of crimes involving violence against animals and add them to an official registry maintained by the State Police. Lawmakers behind the bill say research shows a strong link between animal abuse and violence against people, and the registry is designed to improve public safety and assist law enforcement.
Under the proposal, anyone convicted — or found not guilty by reason of mental illness or incapacity — of specified animal cruelty crimes in West Virginia or similar offenses in other jurisdictions would be required to register. Court clerks would be responsible for forwarding conviction information to the State Police within set timeframes.
Registrants would be required to keep their information up to date and report address or other changes within 10 business days. The registration requirement would last 10 years after release from incarceration, probation, parole, or supervised release. Individuals whose convictions are later overturned could petition to have their names removed.
The bill also folds animal abuse offenders into the state’s existing Central Abuse Registry, which already includes certain child abuse, adult abuse, and neglect offenders, as well as sex offenders.
Those placed on the registry would be charged a $125 annual fee. Funds collected would go to the State Police, with the bill directing that the money first be used to enhance mental health services for current and former State Police employees, including counseling and training programs, before being used for other operational needs.
Supporters say the registry would give law enforcement another tool to monitor repeat or high-risk offenders, while opponents are expected to raise questions about privacy and long-term tracking requirements.
The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
