SB393 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-11-14 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to add acts done "knowingly or with criminal negligence" to animal cruelty prohibitions and elevates the offense from Class B misdemeanor to Class A misdemeanor.

• Increases penalties for animal cruelty convictions: first offense up to 1 year imprisonment (increased from 6 months); second offense up to 1 year imprisonment (increased from 6 months); third or subsequent offense up to 1 year imprisonment (increased from 6 months).

• Establishes a new crime of "aggravated animal cruelty" as a Class C felony when animal cruelty or neglect involves infliction of torture, defined as physical injury by inhumane treatment or gross physical abuse causing intensive or prolonged pain, serious injury, or death.

• Exempts from cruelty and torture definitions: self-defense actions, lawful agricultural and animal husbandry practices, lawful fishing and hunting, lawful rodeo and equine activities, lawful veterinary conduct, and lawful research and education activities.

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