SB18 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Del Marsh

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Dogs and cats, sterilization required under certain conditions, exceptions, county commission to implement based on four-fifths vote that a low cost spay and neuter program exists in county, civil fines

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 civil penalties and exemptions.

What This Bill Does

If a county makes the required four-fifths vote and finds a low-cost sterilization program exists, the act becomes operative in that county and requires sterilization of privately owned dogs and cats under certain conditions. Violations lead to civil penalties that escalate from a warning to monetary fines and, on a fourth offense, a court-ordered sterilization at the owner's cost, with enforcement possible through injunctive relief. Cats follow the same structure as dogs, and there are specific exemptions and health or age-based deferrals. The act also states that hunting dogs are not covered by these requirements and sets an effective date for implementation.

Who It Affects

• Private dog and cat owners in counties that have been found by the county commission to have a low-cost sterilization program and that vote to enact the measure, who would be required to sterilize their pets or face penalties.
• Local animal control agencies that would issue citations, collect civil penalties, provide information on sterilization services, and enforce orders for sterilization.

Key Provisions

• Operative in a county only after a four-fifths vote of the county commission confirming a county low-cost sterilization program exists.
• Defines terms used in the act: Complaint, Local Animal Control Agency, and Sterilization.
• Dogs over 180 days old that are not sterilized may be cited and face a civil penalty schedule: first a warning, second $50, third $100, and fourth an order for sterilization at the owner's cost with injunctive relief possible; penalties are used to administer the act.
• Cats over 180 days old that are not sterilized follow the same penalty structure as dogs, including possible court-ordered sterilization and injunctive relief.
• Civil penalties can be waived if within 14 business days the owner provides written proof from a licensed veterinarian that the animal has been sterilized.
• Exemptions include: breeds registered with recognized registries, animals in training or competition, animals used for show titles, working animals (law enforcement, military, rescue), and health/age-related deferrals certified by a veterinarian; and hunting dogs are exempt.
• The act provides for enforcement and may require court orders to carry out sterilization in certain cases.
• Effective date: becomes operative on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Animals