AL HB27

Amends Section 13A-11-14 of the Alabama Code to increase penalties for animal cruelty from a misdemeanor with up to six months imprisonment to one year imprisonment on first, second, and subsequent convictions.

Establishes a new crime of "aggravated cruelty to animals" as a Class C felony when a person intentionally or knowingly inflicts torture on an animal, defined as inhumane treatment or gross physical abuse causing intensive or prolonged pain, serious physical injury, or death.

Excludes from the torture and cruelty definitions: actions taken in self-defense, standard agricultural and animal husbandry practices, lawful hunting and fishing, lawful rodeo and livestock activities, licensed veterinary conduct, and lawful research and education facility activities.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.

Passed the House on April 9, 2013 with a vote of 97-0-1.