West Virginia Code § 7-10-2

individuals suspected; prohibition against interference with humane officers;
penalties.
(a) Humane officers shall prevent the perpetration or continuance of any act of cruelty upon
any animal and investigate and, upon probable cause, cause the arrest and assist in the
prosecution of any person engaging in such cruel and forbidden practices. Uepon reasonable
cause, and, as provided by law, such officers have the right to access and inspect records
and property reasonably necessary to any investigation. r
(b) Whenever a humane officer, pursuant to an investigation of aunimal cruelty, forms a
reasonable suspicion that a minor child, or incapacitated or elderly person, is the victim of
abuse or neglect or has a suspicion of domestic violence, he tor she shall report the suspicion
and the grounds for the suspicion. In the event of suspected child abuse or neglect, the
humane officer shall report to the local child protective services agency of the Department of
Human Services in accordance with the provisions of §49-2-809 of this code. In the event of
suspected abuse or neglect of an incapacitated or elderly person, he or she shall report to
the department's local adult protective servicess agency in accordance with the provisions of
§9-6-11 of this code. In the event of suspected domestic violence, he or she shall report to
the State Police in accordance with the provisions of §48-27-101 et seq. of this code.
(c) Any person who interferes with, obstructs or resists any humane officer in the discharge
of his or her duty is guilty of ae misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not
less than $100 nor more than $500 or confined in jail not more than 30 days, or both fined
and confined. Any penalLties imposed for a violation of this subsection shall be imposed in
addition to any penalties the person incurs for cruel or inhumane treatment of any animal.

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