W. Va. Code § 19-34-8 – Exemptions.

(a) The permitting provisions of this article do not apply to:
1. (1) Institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) or an AZA-certified facility;
2. (2) An animal control or law-enforcement agency or officer acting under the authority of this article;
3. (3) Licensed veterinary hospitals or clinics treating dangerous wild animals;
4. (4) A licensed or accredited research medical institution;
5. (5) A research facility as defined in the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. §2132(e), as amended;
6. (6) A circus that is an incorporated, Class C licensee under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. §2132(e), as amended;
7. (7) A person displaying dangerous wild animals at a fair or festival that is a licensed exhibitor under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. §2132(e), as amended; and
8. (8) A person temporarily transporting a dangerous wild animal through the state, if the transit time is not more than forty-eight hours and the animal is at all times confined sufficiently to prevent escape.
(b) Qualified exemption. -– The permitting provisions of this article do not apply to exhibitors or dealers licensed as of January 1, 2014, under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U. S. C. §2132(e), as amended, and at the time the rules become effective and who continue to have a valid exhibitor or dealer license. The board may revoke this exemption as to exhibitors or dealers that have repeated, uncorrected citations in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, a conviction for violation of an animal cruelty statute or a violation of sections seven or nine of this article.