HB134 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew SorrellAuditor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Animals, cruelty to dogs and cats, shelter defined, Sec. 13A-11-240 am'd.

Summary

HB 134 would add a specific, measurable definition of 'shelter' to Alabama's animal cruelty law for dogs and cats.

What This Bill Does

It amends the cruelty statute to define 'shelter' for dogs and cats outdoors as a structure that protects them from heat, cold, wind, and water, and must have a roof and sides with enough space for the animal to enter, turn around, and lie down. It also adds formal definitions for key terms used in the statute, such as 'torture', 'cruel', and 'dog or cat'. The changes would take effect immediately after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Owners or guardians of dogs and cats kept outdoors, who would need to provide shelter meeting the defined standard to avoid cruelty charges.
• Law enforcement, animal control, and prosecutors who enforce and charge under the cruelty statute using the new shelter definition.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'shelter' for dogs and cats as a structure outdoors that reasonably protects the animal from the elements and has a roof, sides, and enough space to enter, turn around, and lie down.
• Adds formal definitions for 'torture', 'cruel', and 'dog or cat' within the animal cruelty provisions.
• Establishes that the act becomes effective immediately upon passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Animals