HB547 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jimmy Martin

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Animals, vicious or dangerous, free-roaming, liability of owner or keeper, further provided, Sec. 3-1-3 am'd.

Summary

HB547 would tighten owner liability for vicious or dangerous animals by requiring them to pay damages when careless management or free roaming causes injury or damage.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends the Alabama Code to make owners liable for damages if careless management or letting the animal go at liberty leads to injury to another person. It specifies damages the owner may owe: medical expenses, damages to others' property (including fencing or livestock), and costs to capture or contain the animal by local officials. This liability applies when the injured person was not at fault.

Who It Affects

• Owners or keepers of vicious or dangerous animals: liable for damages from careless management or roaming.
• People who are injured by these animals: may recover damages from the owner.
• Property owners: may recover damages to property (such as fencing or livestock) caused by the animal.
• Local officials who must capture or contain the animal: the owner may be responsible for related containment costs.

Key Provisions

• Expands liability to cover careless management and allowing the animal to roam off the owner's property.
• Specifies damages: medical expenses, property damages (including fencing or livestock), and capture/containment costs by local officials.
• Applies to owners or keepers of vicious or dangerous animals.
• Effective date: becomes law 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

Animals