HB397 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dexter Grimsley

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Animals, adopted animals, sterilization, criminal penalties increased, Secs. 3-9-1, 3-9-2, 3-9-3 am'd.

Summary

HB397 would require sterilization of adopted shelter animals to also apply to animal welfare organizations and rescues, tighten when sterilization must occur, and raise penalties for noncompliance.

What This Bill Does

It extends the existing sterilization requirement from shelters to animal welfare organizations and rescues. It defines key terms (animal shelter, animal welfare organization, sexually mature animal as 180 days, and sterilization) and sets out when sterilization must happen. It requires dogs and cats 180 days or older to be sterilized before custody is relinquished, and for animals under 180 days a written guarantee of sterilization within 30 days after acquisition or by reaching sexual maturity, with the cost borne by the buyer; a signed veterinarian statement is required within seven days after sterilization for verified proof. It makes noncompliance a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and notes that the bill is exempt from certain local-funding approval requirements because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Animal welfare organizations and animal rescues: must sterilize animals they handle and enforce guarantees for younger animals, passing costs to purchasers where applicable.
• People who acquire animals from shelters, rescues, or humane societies: must accept sterilization as required (pre-transfer for older animals or guarantees for younger animals) and provide veterinary proof of sterilization within seven days after the procedure.

Key Provisions

• Extends sterilization requirements from shelters to animal welfare organizations and rescues.
• Defines terms: animal shelter, animal welfare organization, sexually mature animal (180 days), and sterilization.
• Requires sterilization of dogs/cats 180 days or older before relinquishment; for animals younger than 180 days, requires a written guarantee of sterilization within 30 days after acquisition or by sexual maturity; costs borne by the acquiring person.
• If sterilization occurs before acquisition, it may be included in the fees charged by the shelter/organization.
• Requires a signed veterinarian statement within seven days after sterilization as proof when an animal is acquired.
• Violating the chapter is a misdemeanor; fines are up to $1,000.
• The bill is constitutionally exempt from certain local-funding approval requirements because it creates a new crime.

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