SB445 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-11-260 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to expand the definition of "police animal" to include animals trained or handled by Class One Railroad Officers or special agents working in canine units.

• Extends existing criminal protections for police animals and search and rescue animals to railroad police canine units, making it a crime to harass, interfere, assault, injure, or cause the death of these animals.

• Clarifies that "police animal" includes dogs or horses with specialized training used by peace officers, Class One Railroad Officers or special agents, or firefighters in the performance of their duties.

• Exempts the bill from Amendment 621 constitutional requirements regarding local expenditures because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime definition.

• Takes effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.