Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers | July 1, 2025 | West Virginia Law
Most jurisdictions, including West Virginia, do not allow people to own most wild animals, and for good reason. Imagine if your neighbor kept an alligator in his backyard swimming pool or if someone’s pet mountain lion escaped and was roaming your neighborhood. Nevertheless, just because a pet is “exotic” doesn’t mean it’s illegal. Some exotic pets are legal to own in West Virginia.
This article will look at which exotic animals are legal to own in West Virginia, the rules and regulations that govern their ownership, and what you need to know before bringing one home. While most people think of dog bite laws in the context of domestic pets, it’s just as important to understand the risks and liabilities that come with owning exotic animals.
The Dangerous Wild Animal Act of 2014
In 2014, West Virginia passed the Dangerous Wild Animal Act.
The Act prohibits individuals from owning certain dangerous wild animals, such as:
- Alligators and crocodiles
- Bears
- Big cats
- Primates
- Venomous snakes
- Wolves
This legislation was designed to protect public safety and animal welfare by restricting the private ownership of species that pose a significant risk.
Organizations That Can Own Dangerous Animals
Certain organizations are exempt from the ownership restrictions that bind individuals.
The following organizations can own dangerous wild animals:
- Zoos
- Licensed research institutions
- Animal sanctuaries
- Veterinarians (for treatment only)
- Circuses (under strict conditions)
While these organizations are permitted to own dangerous animals, they must still adhere to strict safety, housing, and regulatory standards under state law.
Permitted animals
West Virginia still allows private ownership of many “exotic” pets. Even though they are wild, state law may not classify these animals as “dangerous”, which is why you can own them. Keep in mind that local ordinances or federal regulations might still restrict ownership.
Permit and Registration Requirements
Even if an exotic animal is legal to own in West Virginia, you may still be required to register the animal or obtain a permit, depending on its species and potential risk to the public. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Dangerous Wild Animal Board oversee these requirements.
In general, pet owners may be required to:
- Notify authorities of the type and location of the animal
- Provide proof of proper enclosures that prevent escape or unauthorized contact
- Carry liability insurance, particularly for animals classified as potentially dangerous
- Renew permits annually and allow periodic inspections
- Meet care and containment standards, including access to food, water, shelter, and veterinary care
Failing to comply with these requirements can result in fines, confiscation of the animal, or even criminal charges. In some counties or municipalities, local ordinances may impose additional restrictions or outright bans on certain species, regardless of state law.
Before acquiring any exotic animal, it’s essential to research state and local regulations and ensure you’re fully compliant with all permit and safety requirements.
Strict Liability for Injuries Inflicted by Exotic Animals—Even If They’re Legal
West Virginia resolves most dog bite claims using negligence law. It’s different for wild animal injuries. Under West Virginia law, the owner bears strict liability for any injuries caused by their exotic pet.
That means the owner can bear liability no matter how careful they were. If you were injured by an exotic pet, you can win a lawsuit against the owner without proving fault on the owner’s part. In a sense, the owner of an exotic animal serves as its liability insurance policy.
Homeowners and Renters Insurance Policies
Homeowners and renters insurance policies generally provide coverage for injuries that occur within the insured premises. However, when it comes to injuries caused by animals, many policies include specific exclusions.
In most cases, standard insurance policies exclude coverage for injuries caused by certain animals, regardless of whether those animals are legal to own in the jurisdiction. For example, even if it is lawful to own an exotic pet in your area, your insurance policy may still deny coverage for any injuries that pet causes if it is listed in an exclusion clause.
Claims Against Pet Owners’ Personal Assets
If insurance coverage is unavailable or insufficient to cover the full extent of your injuries, you may have the option to pursue compensation directly from the pet owner’s personal assets. This typically involves filing a personal injury lawsuit against the owner, seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
Reach Out to Our Law Office for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured by someone’s exotic pet, you may be entitled to compensation, and having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. Contact Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable West Virginia personal injury attorney.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.
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