on September 10, 2026

West Virginia Dog Poop Laws

Quick answer: West Virginia has no statewide pooper scooper law. Picking up after your dog is regulated city by city, and all three of the largest cities we checked have an ordinance requiring it. Morgantown publishes a set ticket of $25.

Why West Virginia leaves it to cities

West Virginia has no statewide statute requiring dog-waste pickup. State law makes the owner of a dog that runs at large liable for any damage it causes (W. Va. Code 19-20-13) and lets county commissions employ dog wardens to enforce dog-control law (19-20-6). Cleanup rules are set by each city.

  • Dog running at large: owner liability: W. Va. Code 19-20-13 (read it)
  • County dog wardens and dog-control rules: W. Va. Code 19-20-6 (read it)

Pooper scooper laws in West Virginia's largest cities

Each row comes from the city's own municipal code. "Up to" is the most a court can impose, not a standard ticket. Where a city publishes no amount, we say so rather than estimate one.

City Ordinance Fine Must carry a bag
Charleston Charleston Code of Ordinances Sec. 10-7 (Animal owner responsibility for removal of animal excrement; fines) $10 to $25 Yes
Huntington Huntington Codified Ordinances 507.14 (Disposal of dog waste); penalty 507.99; parks 548.02 At least $75 Yes
Morgantown Morgantown Code of Ordinances Sec. 505.16 (Animal defecation) $25 No

The rule people miss: carrying the bag

In Charleston and Huntington, the law does not just require you to pick up. It requires you to be carrying something to pick up with, so walking out without a bag can be an offense on its own even if your dog never goes.

A bag holder on the leash solves that for good. Ours is the Walk Dispenser, which clips on and holds a full roll.

Worth knowing about West Virginia

  • Two of West Virginia's three largest cities make carrying a pickup bag or tool a requirement in itself: Charleston (10-7(a)) and Huntington (507.14(b)).
  • Charleston's fine is among the lowest anywhere, $10 to $25 plus court costs, but the judge cannot suspend it. Its service-dog exemption requires documentation from an accredited training institution.
  • Huntington pairs its carry rule with mandatory minimum fines of $75, $100 and $150.

Common questions

Is it illegal to not pick up dog poop in West Virginia?

There is no statewide law, but every one of the largest cities we checked has a pickup rule, and most smaller towns have similar ordinances. Check your own city or county code.

How much is the fine for not picking up dog poop in West Virginia?

It depends on the city. Charleston: $10 to $25. Huntington: At least $75. Morgantown: $25.

Do I have to carry a poop bag in West Virginia?

In Charleston and Huntington, yes. The ordinance requires you to have a means of removal with you while walking your dog.

Are service dog handlers exempt?

In Charleston and Huntington, the ordinance exempts handlers who have a disability and cannot physically pick up. The exemption covers the handler, not the dog.

Other states in the South

Texas · Florida · Georgia · North Carolina · Virginia · Tennessee · Maryland · South Carolina

See all 50 states · How scoop laws work in general

Sources

Checked 2026-09-10. Ordinances change, so if you are dealing with an actual citation, read the current code at the link rather than relying on this page.

This page is general information, not legal advice.