Any person who keeps a dog which is generally considered to be vicious, for the purpose of protection, shall acquire a special license therefor from the county assessor. The assessor shall charge $10 for such license. Such license shall be required in addition to the license required under section two of this article. The keeper or owner shall properly secure such dog in such a manner so as to prevent injury to a person who lawfully passes through or enters upon the property of the keeper or owner. Nothing contained in this section shall constitute a defense to any action for personal injury, wrongful death or damage to property.
W. Va. Code § 19-20-21
License fee for keeping vicious or dangerous dog
Applied in 2 court decisions — leading case 234 W. Va. 209 - Estella Robinson v. City of Bluefield (2014)
Most recently applied in 235 W. Va. 489 - State of West Virginia v. Michael and Kim Blatt (June 2015)
Official source: West Virginia Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain West Virginia statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.