W. Va. Code § 19-34-1: Findings and purpose.

The possession of dangerous wild animals presents serious public health and safety concerns and shall be regulated for the following reasons:

(1) To prevent the introduction or spread of disease or parasites harmful to humans, domestic livestock and poultry, wildlife and captive wild animals;

(2) To ensure the physical safety of humans;

(3) To prevent the escape or release of an animal injurious to or competitive with agricultural, horticultural, forestry, wildlife and other natural resources; and

(4) To prevent the mistreatment of permitted dangerous wild animals.