SB395 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

George M. “Marc” Keahey

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Animals, nonhuman primates for which there is no rabies vaccine, possession and sale prohibited, exceptions, Sec. 3-8-1 am'd.

Summary

SB395 would ban private ownership of nonhuman primates (and related animals) without a licensed rabies vaccine, allowing seizure and criminal penalties, with certain exemptions and registration requirements.

What This Bill Does

It adds nonhuman primates to the animals that cannot be owned or traded without a licensed rabies vaccine. It allows seizure of animals that lack the required vaccine or are not registered with the Department of Agriculture and Industries. Violations would be Class C misdemeanors. Current owners may keep their animal for its life if it is neutered or spayed and registered with the ADI, and several institutions (like zoos, circuses, colleges/universities, approved refuges, humane shelters, and veterinary clinics) are exempt from the ban.

Who It Affects

• Private individuals who own or want to own nonhuman primates (and related animals) would need vaccination and registration or face seizure and penalties.
• Institutions such as zoological parks, circuses, colleges/universities, approved refuges, county or municipal humane shelters, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and veterinary clinics are exempt from the ban and would interact with registration/enforcement mainly through the Department of Agriculture and Industries.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 3-8-1 to prohibit owning, possessing, maintaining, selling, or trading canidae, felidae, or nonhuman primates without a USDA or FDA licensed rabies vaccine.
• Current owners may keep an animal for its life if it is neutered or spayed and registered with the Department of Agriculture and Industries; exemptions apply to certain institutions (zoo, circus, colleges/universities, approved refuges, shelters, etc.).
• Animals found without the required vaccine or not registered may be seized and disposed of as ordered by the circuit court.
• Violations are Class C misdemeanors; the bill is designed to be exempt from local funding requirements because it creates or amends a crime.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after 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