Bill > HB177

This bill amends existing Alabama law to prohibit the abandonment of dogs or cats, defining "abandon" as forsaking or leaving an animal without providing minimum reasonable care, and making this a Class C misdemeanor, which is a less serious criminal offense. It also clarifies the definitions of "cruel" and "torture" in relation to animal abuse, with "torture" specifically referring to inflicting inhumane treatment or gross physical abuse that causes intense pain, serious injury, or death. Additionally, the bill grants law enforcement officers and appointed agents the authority to remove an animal or order its owner to provide care if they have reasonable belief, evidence, or observe a violation of these animal protection laws, while also providing immunity to these officials for good-faith actions taken under this authority.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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