Are there any criminal laws regarding dog bites?

In West Virginia, criminal laws regarding dog bites are rare. However, there are several civil remedies available to victims of canine-induced injuries. If the bite was caused by an animal with a known history of aggression, the owner may be held liable for damages. Additionally, if the dog was found to be running at large or if the owner of the animal failed to take reasonable precautions to protect the public from any known risks or dangers associated with the animal, the owner may be held liable in a civil court for damages. In West Virginia, the state maintains a “strict liability” standard when it comes to inflicting harm from animals. This means that the animal’s owner is legally responsible for any damages caused by the animal regardless of whether the owner was negligent or not. In other words, the victim does not have to prove the owner knew or should have known the animal was likely to cause harm; rather, the victim only has to prove that the animal actually caused the harm. In addition to the civil remedies mentioned above, West Virginia statutes do provide for criminal penalties in cases of extreme animal abuse or neglect. For example, West Virginia code section 60A-7-801 outlaws animal cruelty and provides for fines and possible jail time when a person is convicted of purposely and maliciously injuring or killing an animal. However, this statute does not make specific mention of dog bites. Ultimately, while criminal penalties for dog bites are rare in West Virginia, there are several civil options available for victims. It is important for victims to understand their rights and seek legal counsel if they are ever the victim of a canine-induced injury.

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