Breeder Accountability and Regulation for Kindness Act
West Virginia Code Chapter 19, Article 36
The Breeder Accountability and Regulation for Kindness (BARK) Act is comprehensive legislation that would reform canine welfare in West Virginia. It addresses four critical areas:
14-day protection for Good Samaritans who help stray animals
24-hour online posting of impounded animals
Allows counties to pool resources for animal control
Universal licensing with welfare standards
Required at intake to reunite lost pets faster
Restricts harmful continuous tethering practices
All breeders must obtain a license, with tiered fees based on operation size. The system is self-funding through license fees and penalties.
Unannounced inspections based on tier level with standardized evidence packs and public letter grades (A-D).
Mandatory microchipping, health certificates, and disclosure requirements protect buyers from puppy mills.
Digital posting requirements and regional authorities help rural communities improve animal welfare services.
The BARK Act needs your support to become law. Contact your legislators today and ask them to co-sponsor this important animal welfare legislation.