W. Va. Code § 5A-4-4

Current through 2024 First Special Session
Section 5A-4-4 - Unlawful to kill or molest animals, birds or fowls upon grounds of capitol; powers and duties of security officers; penalties

In addition to the duties of persons appointed and qualified as security officers pursuant to section three, article four, chapter five-a of this code, to preserve law and order on any premises under the jurisdiction of the secretary to which he may be assigned by the secretary, such security officers shall have authority and it shall be the duty of such security officers to enforce the provisions of this section. This authority and duty of security officers shall not be deemed to supersede in any way the authority or duty of other peace officers to enforce the provisions of this section.

It shall be unlawful at any time to kill or molest in any manner, any animals, birds or fowls on the grounds of the capitol buildings or governor's mansion, except as may be deemed necessary by the secretary for the control or extermination of animals, birds or fowls deemed by him to be pests or a danger to the health and safety. Any person who kills or molests in any manner, or knowingly allows a dog or other animal owned by him to kill or molest in any manner any animals, birds or fowls on the grounds of the capitol buildings or governor's mansion shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or, in the discretion of the court, be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than six months, or both such fine and imprisonment.

It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly allow a dog owned by him to be upon the grounds of the capitol buildings or governor's mansion unless such dog is under control by leash. Any person who knowingly allows a dog owned by him to be upon the grounds of the capitol buildings or governor's mansion while not under control by leash shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars.

It shall further be unlawful for any person to knowingly allow a dog or other animal owned by him or under his control to defecate upon the grounds of the capitol buildings or governor's mansion. In the event that a dog or other animal owned by or under the control of a person defecates upon the grounds of the capitol buildings or governor's mansion, the person shall remove such defecation. Any person who knowingly allows a dog or other animal owned by him or under his control to defecate upon the grounds of the capitol buildings or governor's mansion and who subsequently fails to remove said defecation, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than twenty- five nor more than one hundred dollars.

W. Va. Code § 5A-4-4