West Virginia Code § 19-20-9a

Dogs, cats, etc.; rabies observation
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(a) Any person who owns or harbors any dog, cat or other domesticated animal, whether
licensed or unlicensed, which bites any person, shall forthwith confine and quarantine the
animal for a period of ten days for rabies observation.
(b) If any unvaccinated domesticated animal is bitten by a rabid animal, the owner shall
confine the bitten animal for a period of six months. The animal shall be vaccinated or
revaccinated after five months.
(c) If the animal is not confined and quarantined as directed in suubsections (a) and (b) of this
section, the humane officer, dog warden or sheriff may cause the animal to be placed in the
custody and care of a licensed veterinarian for that purpose at the owner's expense. The
penalty for any violation of this section is a fine of $50 or confinement in the county or
regional jail for a period of no less than two nor more than three days.

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