West Virginia § 19-9-20 - IMPORTATION OF ANIMALS INTO STATE

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 19-9-20 — IMPORTATION OF ANIMALS INTO STATE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 19-9-20. IMPORTATION OF ANIMALS INTO STATE

It shall be unlawful for any person or his agents or employees knowingly to drive, cause to be driven, bring or cause to be brought into this state any domestic animal infected with any communicable disease. Every domestic animal being brought into the state for any purpose, by any means of transportation, shall be subject to the restrictions imposed by section twenty-one of this article, unless such animal is accompanied by a certificate of good health issued by the state veterinarian or other accredited authority of the state from which such animal originates, or the certificate of a veterinary inspector of the bureau of animal industry of the United States Department of Agriculture, setting forth that such animal is free from all communicable diseases and does not originate from a district of quarantine or infection, and showing inspection to have been made within a period of thirty days prior to the arrival of such animal: Provided, however, That in the case of bovine animals the duration of such period of test shall be sixty days or such other period as shall conform to the regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture. Such certificate shall be made in triplicate, the original to be retained by the owner or person in charge of such animal, and by him attached to the bill of lading accompanying shipment of the animal, the duplicate to be forwarded to the commissioner, and the triplicate to be retained by the veterinarian making the inspection.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 19-9-20

What does West Virginia Code § 19-9-20 cover?

Section 19-9-20 ("IMPORTATION OF ANIMALS INTO STATE") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite West Virginia § 19-9-20?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 19-9-20" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 19-9-20 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.