HB 238 Summary: Alabama Animal Shelter Reporting Act

• Requires animal shelter owners, operators, managers, or directors to submit annual reports no later than 90 days after each calendar year detailing the total number and species of animals received by source (owner surrenders, strays, other shelters, animal control, etc.).

• Mandates reporting on animal dispositions including adoptions, owner reclaims, transfers to other shelters or rescue organizations, euthanasia or deaths, transfers to research facilities, and sterilization status.

• Requires reporting of costs incurred for housing, maintenance, feeding, medications, transfer, euthanasia, and related care expenses, excluding employee salaries and benefits.

• Makes all reports public records available to the public through electronic or paper means, with shelters permitted to charge reasonable fees and maintain reports for a minimum of four years.

• Establishes Class B misdemeanor penalties for intentionally failing to file required reports or knowingly publishing fraudulent reports.