HB368 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew SorrellAuditor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Animals, public highways, prohibit transporting animals in a flatbed truck

Summary

HB368 would prohibit transporting cats or dogs on the open flatbed of a truck on public highways unless the animals are secured in a cage.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a rule that you cannot move a cat or dog on the open platform of a flatbed truck on a public highway unless the animal is secured in a cage. It defines what a flatbed truck is and what counts as a public highway, and it includes an exception for when crossing onto a county or municipal road. Violations would carry fines: up to $50 for the first offense and up to $200 for each later offense. The bill notes an effect on local funding but says this change is exempt from those requirements because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Flatbed truck drivers/operators on public highways: must secure cats or dogs in a cage when transporting them on the open flatbed, or face fines.
• Pet owners/handlers using flatbed trucks: subject to the new rule and penalties when transporting cats or dogs on flatbeds on public highways.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits transporting a cat or dog on the open platform of a flatbed truck on a public highway unless the animal is secured in a cage that prevents falling, being thrown, or jumping.
• Defines flatbed truck and public highway; public highway excludes county or municipal roads.
• Exception: the rule does not apply when crossing a public highway to continue on a county or municipal road.
• Penalties: up to $50 for a first offense; up to $200 for each subsequent offense.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after governor's approval.
• Notes: The bill acknowledges it would require new local funds under Amendment 621 but is considered exempt 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