- (a) Any person wishing to conduct wildlife rehabilitation in this state must first make application to the director for a wildlife rehabilitation permit.
- (b) No person may be issued a wildlife rehabilitation permit who has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of any Federal, State, or local law or ordinance relating to wildlife, animal welfare, or animal cruelty.
(c) To be eligible for a rehabilitation permit, issued by the Director, the applicant must:
- (1) Be at least 18 years of age.
- (2) Be a resident of the state of West Virginia.
- (3) Have wildlife handling and care training as established by the Director.
- (4) Pass a relevant examination relating to biology, care, handling, diet, animal welfare, statutes, rules, and regulations and other such appropriate matters as determined by the Director.
- (5) Meet and maintain facility requirements as required by the Director.
- (6) Provide written verification that a veterinarian holding an active West Virginia license has agreed to assist and consult with the applicant on the treatment and care of wildlife being rehabilitated and recommends the individual for a wildlife rehabilitation permit. Except, if the applicant is a veterinarian, a copy of their active West Virginia license is required.
(7) Permit holders are required to list on their permit in-facility assistants that assist with daily care and rehabilitation. In-facility assistants must:
- (A) Be at least 18 years of age.
- (B) Have the appropriate wildlife handling and care training as established by the Director.