SB18 Alabama 2010 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Phillip W. WilliamsBill HoltzclawPaul BussmanShadrack McGillGreg J. ReedScott BeasonArthur OrrRusty GloverPaul SanfordBen H. BrooksClay Scofield

Session

First Special Session 2010

Title

Campaign contributions, PAC to PAC transfers, prohibited, transfers between principal campaign committees prohibited, certain expenditures limited to $5,000, Campaign Finance Transparency Act, Secs. 17-5-7, 17-5-15 am'd.

Summary

The bill would require privately owned dogs and cats in counties with a county commission finding of a low-cost sterilization program to be sterilized, with penalties for noncompliance and several exemptions.

What This Bill Does

If a county approves the act, privately owned dogs and cats in that county must be sterilized. Owners who do not comply face a tiered civil penalty schedule starting with a warning, then $50, then $100, and finally an order for sterilization at the owner's cost, which the local animal control agency can enforce through court action. The local agency must inform owners about low-cost sterilization options and can waive penalties if the pet is sterilized, while exemptions cover certain animals and circumstances such as hunting, show training, registered breeds, health or age reasons, and other conditions listed in the act.

Who It Affects

• Private dog and cat owners in counties where the county commission finds a low-cost sterilization program exists (subject to penalties for noncompliance and potential sterilization orders).
• Local animal control agencies and county commissions (responsible for enforcing the act, issuing citations, collecting penalties, and administering exemptions and enforcement).

Key Provisions

• Operative each county only after a four-fifths vote by the county commission confirming a countywide low-cost sterilization program.
• Definitions for complaint, local animal control agency, and sterilization to standardize enforcement.
• Dog sterilization penalties: first citation a warning, second $50, third $100, fourth an order to sterilize at the owner's cost, with possible injunctive relief to enforce.
• Cat sterilization penalties: same four-step scheme as for dogs, including an order for sterilization at the owner's cost and potential injunctive relief.
• Waiver of penalties if the owner provides written proof from a licensed veterinarian that the animal has been sterilized; penalties used to administer the act.
• Exemptions: certain dogs/cats are exempt from sterilization requirements (e.g., registered breeds, animals in training/show, those earning or pursuing titles, service for law enforcement/military/rescue, or veterinarian-verified temporary/permanent deferment for age/health/other reasons).
• Hunting dogs are not subject to this act.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections