HB91 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Animal, companion, killed or injured by caretaker, liability established

Summary

HB91 creates a civil action against a caretaker for harming a companion or service animal, with damages and a two-year deadline.

What This Bill Does

It allows an animal owner to sue a caretaker who, through negligence or reckless or willful misconduct, causes serious injury or death to the animal. It allows compensatory damages including the animal's market value, veterinary costs, burial costs, emotional distress, loss of companionship or service, and court and attorney fees. It also provides punitive damages up to $75,000 for willful misconduct, and treble damages for service animals. The action must be filed within two years after the injury or death, or when the owner knew or should have known about it.

Who It Affects

• Owners of companion or service animals who may sue a caretaker for injuries or death caused by negligence or misconduct.
• Caretakers and their agents who care for companion or service animals and may be liable for damages.

Key Provisions

• Creates a civil action for wrongful injury or death of a companion or service animal against a caretaker who is negligent or engages in reckless or wilful misconduct.
• Provides compensatory damages such as market value, veterinary costs, burial costs, emotional distress, loss of companionship or service, court costs, and attorneys' fees.
• Provides punitive damages up to $75,000 for willful misconduct; treble damages may be awarded for service animals.
• Limits the action to two years after the injury or death or when the owner knew or should have known.
• Defines caretaker, companion animal, and service animal for the purposes of the act.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage/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

Civil Actions