In Alabama, pet abandonment is about to become a more serious crime. A new bill introduced in the state’s legislature seeks to create stricter penalties for those who abandon dogs and cats, aiming to send a clear message about how the state views animal welfare.
The bill, titled HB 249, was introduced by Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, and was recently approved by the Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee. If passed, it will make abandoning a dog or cat a Class A misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000.
This legislative move comes after increasing reports of animals being left behind in dangerous situations. Rep. Colvin has been vocal about the problem, especially in his district, where it has become a common sight to see dogs dropped off along roadsides or allowed to roam freely.
“People are just dropping their dogs off on the side of the road, letting them roam around,” Colvin said during a committee meeting. He noted that the problem causes accidents and exposes people to the risks of dog bites, all while leaving animals in distressing situations.
Currently, animal abandonment in Alabama falls under the broader category of animal cruelty. However, abandonment itself is not treated as a distinct crime, which has made it more difficult to prosecute offenders. While severe cases of cruelty, such as those involving severe injury or death of an animal, can result in felony charges, abandonment has not been clearly defined as its own offense.
HB 249 seeks to fix that by specifically addressing abandonment in its own statute, making it easier for law enforcement to take action when pets are left behind. According to Colvin, this change will provide greater clarity for law enforcement, animal shelters, and the general public about what constitutes abandonment, and what legal consequences exist for those who choose to abandon their pets.
“The law would make it clear that abandoning a pet is a crime,” Colvin explained, emphasizing that the bill would help reduce cases of animals being left to fend for themselves. The new bill specifically defines abandonment as leaving a dog or cat at a location without providing the “minimum reasonable care,” which includes food, water, shelter, and other basic needs. The penalties associated with the crime are significant, with offenders facing fines up to $6,000 and potentially up to one year in jail.
This bill has garnered support from various animal rights groups, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), which has expressed approval for the proposed changes. The AKC stated that the bill would provide better clarity regarding the illegality of abandoning a dog or cat in Alabama and ensure that those responsible for abandonment face appropriate consequences.
They also highlighted that the bill aligns with the organization’s stance on providing proper care for animals, including ensuring adequate food, clean water, regular veterinary care, and humane living conditions.
While the bill has been widely supported, it has also raised concerns about enforcement. Some lawmakers have questioned how abandonment could be proven in court, with concerns that the law might rely too heavily on accusations without sufficient evidence.
Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, questioned whether the law could be enforced based solely on an accusation, stating that such cases could easily devolve into “my word against yours.” Rep. Colvin responded by emphasizing that any case of abandonment would have to be proven in a court of law, and that evidence would need to be presented to prove the crime.
One of the key provisions of the bill is an exemption for those who trap, neuter, and return feral cats to their original locations. This exemption is important, as it addresses the concerns of those who manage local stray cat populations by practicing “trap-neuter-return” (TNR), which is a method used to control feral cat numbers without killing them. The bill’s language ensures that these TNR efforts will not be penalized.
Rep. Colvin also pointed out that, for people who no longer want to care for a pet, there are better alternatives than abandonment. He encouraged pet owners to surrender their pets to local shelters or animal rescue organizations instead of leaving them on the side of the road. “I just don’t believe the right course of action is to throw your dog off the side of the road,” he stated.
Alabama has long been criticized for having some of the weakest animal protection laws in the country. In a 2023 report from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the state ranked 49th in the nation for animal protection, primarily due to its lack of legal protections for seized animals and the leniency in penalties for crimes like cockfighting. The introduction of HB 249 marks a significant step toward strengthening the state’s animal welfare laws and addressing the growing problem of pet abandonment.
As the bill moves to the House floor for a vote, its passage could signal a turning point for animal welfare laws in Alabama. If passed, HB 249 would ensure that abandoning a pet is treated with the seriousness it deserves, creating more accountability for those who choose to neglect or abandon their animals. The bill could also serve as a model for other states looking to improve their own animal protection laws.
This bill is an important step forward for animal welfare. It has the potential to significantly change how Alabama handles pet abandonment. If the bill passes, it could send a strong message that the state takes the issue seriously and is willing to hold those who abandon their pets accountable.
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