SB393 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

George M. “Marc” Keahey

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Crimes and offenses, cruelty to animals, aggravated cruelty to animals established, cruelty to animals amended, Sec. 13A-11-14 am'd

Summary

SB393 would raise penalties for animal cruelty, create a new aggravated cruelty crime involving torture, and address potential local funding implications through a constitutional rule.

What This Bill Does

It expands cruelty to animals to include acts done knowingly or with criminal negligence, making it a Class A misdemeanor. It creates aggravated cruelty to animals when the cruel act or neglect involves torture, classified as a Class C felony. It defines torture and includes several exemptions (e.g., farming, hunting, rodeos, veterinary practice, and research) where certain practices would not be treated as torture or cruelty. It also sets an effective date and includes provisions about local government funding requirements under a constitutional amendment, noting exceptions that would allow the bill to become law without local approval.

Who It Affects

• People who own or care for animals may face higher penalties for cruelty or neglect (Class A misdemeanor) and potential felony charges (Class C for aggravated cruelty involving torture).
• Individuals involved in farming, ranching, veterinary work, hunting, rodeos, or related activities may be exempt from aggravated cruelty provisions due to explicit exemptions in the bill.

Key Provisions

• Cruelty to animals would be punishable as a Class A misdemeanor when acts are done knowingly or with criminal negligence (instead of the previous Class B).
• A new crime of aggravated cruelty to animals would be created, defined as cruelty or neglect involving the infliction of torture, and it would be a Class C felony.
• The bill defines torture and clarifies exemptions for farm, hunting, rodeo, veterinary, and research activities.
• The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.
• The bill references Amendment 621 (Section 111.05) regarding local government funding, indicating the measure would require new or increased local expenditures but would be excludable from requiring a 2/3 vote or local approval due to specified exceptions.

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

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses