PETITION TARGET: West Virginia State Senate
Dozens of animals — including a pony, a bull, and dogs — were reportedly sexually abused, starved, and trapped in filthy cages on a dilapidated school bus discovered in Pennsylvania.
The man charged with this appalling cruelty was sent to a West Virginia jail due to outstanding warrants — but despite the horror of his crimes, there was no specific state law on the books banning sexual contact with animals — making West Virginia the only state without an explicit bestiality ban.
West Virginia must not leave animals unprotected from sexual abuse any longer.
For the first time in state history, the West Virginia House of Delegates has approved an animal cruelty bill that explicitly bans sexual contact with animals. The bill makes this abuse a felony offense, punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine between $1,000 and $5,000. The bill also strengthens the penalty for cruelty to animals — allowing courts, at their discretion, to ban abusers from having animals for life.
The bill now moves to the West Virginia Senate. Lawmakers there have a chance to finally align state law with basic standards of decency and animal protection.
Animals subjected to sexual abuse endure severe physical injuries and deep psychological trauma. Innocent animals rely completely on the law for protection — and on compassionate people willing to demand change. It’s time to tell lawmakers that animals deserve clear, strong legal protection.
Sign this petition urging the West Virginia Senate to swiftly pass this important legislation and send a message that horrific cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.
