AL SB263

Establishes animal abandonment as a Class A misdemeanor, elevated to a Class D felony if the offender has prior animal cruelty convictions, the abandonment causes serious injury or death, or 5 or more animals are abandoned at once

Defines "abandon" as intentionally, knowingly, or with criminal negligence leaving an animal without continued care, subjecting it to risk of injury, starvation, dehydration, exposure, or death

Authorizes law enforcement and local government agents to remove abandoned animals or order owners to provide care, with immunity from liability for good faith actions

Requires a district court hearing within 20 days when a seized animal's owner is known, with the court determining custody fitness and potentially ordering euthanasia, cost reimbursement, or 5 hours of community service/education

Exempts lawful hunting, fishing, trapping, animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, pest control, and compliant research; effective October 1, 2026