HB45 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Dog and Cat Breeders Commission to license and regulate dog and cat breeders possessing 11 or more adult intact female animals that sell 20 or more animals annually.

• Creates a 9-member commission appointed by the Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner, including licensed breeders, veterinarians, animal welfare representatives, public members, and an animal control officer.

• Requires breeders to obtain annual licenses for each facility, pass prelicense inspections, maintain animal records, submit annual inventories, and display licenses at their facilities.

• Mandates compliance with minimum care standards including daily exercise, veterinary examinations, proper housing, grooming, and prohibits selling animals before 8 weeks of age.

• Authorizes the commission to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for violations and impose civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with proceeds deposited into a dedicated state fund for administration and enforcement.