I am an animal lover and believe they are a special  part of God's creation; deserving of our  protection from neglect and cruelty.  West Virginia HAS animal cruelty laws that require dogs to have "food, water, shelter that PROTECTS from the elements of weather AND medical treatment",  AND the law prohibits  "cruelly chaining" a dog.  

What constitutes shelter that protects?  A plastic crate,  a lean-to, a metal barrel?  How long or heavy does a chain have to be before it is cruel?   

Is it cruel to chain out 8 week old puppies in the cold?

Is it cruel to force a pregnant dog to deliver puppies outside on a chain in winter? 

I am proposing the adoption of a basic  ordinance to clarify the existing WV laws and enable law enforcement officers to more readily perform their duties.  

If you are in  favor of a Humane Dog Act in Upshur County,  please sign and SHARE.  Let your concerns be made known to the people who can make a difference. 

Please take a moment to call or email and respectfully make your concerns known.   It is possible to live in a community that respects animals.  Half a dozen WV counties have such ordinances and numerous cities.

The people to contact are your county commissioners and the Sheriff.

Doug Bush/Commissioner  dkbush@upshurcounty.org  304 439 4027

Sam Nolte/Commissioner.  srnolte@upshurcounty.org  304 844 7305

Kristie Tenney/Commissioner  kgtenney@upshurcounty.org 304 439 4698

Sheriff Mike Coffman.  jmcoffman@upshurcounty.org 304 472 1182