Dangerous dog laws, including the dog bite law, vary from state to state, with different definitions and outcomes for owners.
In West Virginia, dangerous dog laws are primarily governed by county and municipal ordinances rather than state statutes. However, under West Virginia Code §19-20-20, a dog that is deemed dangerous or vicious, typically one that has bitten or attacked a person or another animal without provocation, may be subject to certain restrictions or even euthanasia if deemed necessary by a court. Owners of such dogs may be required to take specific measures such as securing the dog in a proper enclosure, posting warning signs, obtaining liability insurance, or registering the dog as dangerous. Regarding dog bite liability, West Virginia follows a modified version of the 'one-bite rule,' which means an owner may not be held liable for the first bite if they had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous. However, once a dog has shown dangerous propensities, the owner can be held liable for any subsequent injuries the dog causes. It's important for dog owners in West Virginia to check their local ordinances for specific regulations and to understand their responsibilities under the law to prevent dog bites and attacks.