AL HB439

Requires veterinarians, doctors, teachers, law enforcement officials, social workers, and other specified professionals to report suspected animal torture or cruelty to law enforcement within one business day, orally or in writing.

Defines "torture" as inflicting inhumane treatment or gross physical abuse on animals to cause intensive or prolonged pain, serious injury, or death, and "cruelty" as causing unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering to animals.

Protects persons making good faith reports of animal abuse from civil or criminal liability.

Exempts conduct permitted under agricultural, animal husbandry, fishing, hunting, and trapping laws and practices from reporting requirements.

Imposes a fine of not less than $1,000 on any person or entity that fails to report suspected animal torture or cruelty as required by the act.