SB194 Summary

• Amends Section 3-1-29 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish procedures for seizing dogs involved in dogfighting charges, including confiscation by law enforcement and placement with humane societies or animal welfare agencies.

• Requires owners or keepers of confiscated dogs to post a bond or deposit funds with the court within 30-day increments to cover seizure, care, keeping, and disposal costs, with hearings scheduled within 10 days of application.

• Provides that dogs are automatically forfeited by operation of law if owners fail to post required bonds within 72 hours of hearing conclusion, except for owners determined to be indigent or those who voluntarily surrender the dog.

• Allows owners to seek bond adjustments no more than once per six-month period and requires refunds of unused bond funds upon criminal charge resolution; permits civil forfeiture petitions with hearings within 20 days.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval; passed by the Senate on April 27, 2011 with a vote of 28-0.