West Virginia Code
Article 34. Dangerous Wild Animals Act
§19-34-1. Findings and Purpose

The possession of dangerous wild animals presents serious public health and safety concerns and shall be regulated for the following reasons:
(1) To prevent the introduction or spread of disease or parasites harmful to humans, domestic livestock and poultry, wildlife and captive wild animals;
(2) To ensure the physical safety of humans;
(3) To prevent the escape or release of an animal injurious to or competitive with agricultural, horticultural, forestry, wildlife and other natural resources; and
(4) To prevent the mistreatment of permitted dangerous wild animals.

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