HB256 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mack N. ButlerRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Animals, cruelty to dogs and cats, shelter defined, Sec. 13A-11-240 am'd.
Summary: HB 256 defines what counts as shelter for dogs and cats, adding a specific outdoor shelter standard to cruelty laws.
What This Bill Does
It adds a precise definition of 'shelter' to Alabama's animal cruelty law, saying an outdoor shelter must protect the animal from heat, cold, wind, and water and have a roof, sides, and floor, large enough for the animal to enter, turn around, and lie down. This helps determine whether someone committed second-degree cruelty by depriving an animal of shelter. The change becomes law immediately after it is approved by the governor.

Who It Affects
Dog and cat owners or caretakers of outdoor animals who must provide shelter meeting the new standard to avoid cruelty charges.
Animal control officers, prosecutors, and animal welfare organizations who will use the new definition to enforce the cruelty law and assess shelter adequacy.

Key Provisions
Defines shelter as a structure with a roof, sides, and a floor that protects a dog or cat outdoors from heat, cold, wind, and water, and is large enough for the animal to enter, turn around, and lie down.
The act takes effect immediately after passage and governor's approval (or when it becomes law).

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