SB314

SYNOPSIS: Under existing law, counties have authority to employ persons to prevent cruelty to animals.

This bill would authorize Class 5 municipalities, by local ordinance, to establish the position of certified animal control officer under the supervision of the chief of police.

This bill would authorize the chief of police to determine the qualifications for a certified animal control officer.

This bill would impose civil penalties for violations of municipal ordinances governing the treatment, care, well-being, and safety of animals and authorize a certified animal control officer to issue citations for violations.

This bill would also authorize municipal courts to hear appeals and enforce the civil penalties.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT

Relating to Class 5 municipalities; to authorize Class 5 municipalities to establish the position of certified animal control officer under the supervision of the chief of police; to authorize the chief of police to determine the qualifications for a certified animal control officer; to authorize a certified animal control officer to issue citations for violations; to authorize civil penalties for violations of municipal ordinances governing the treatment, care, well-being, and safety of animals; and to authorize municipal courts to hear appeals and enforce the citations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:

Section 1. (a) As used in this section, a local animal control law means a municipal ordinance or local law governing the treatment, care, well-being, or safety of animals.

(b) A Class 5 municipality, by ordinance, may:

(1) Establish civil penalties for violations of local animal control laws in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for any violation.

(2) Establish the position of certified animal control officer as well as the authorities and responsibilities of a certified animal control officer, which may include the authority to issue citations, as further provided in this section.

(c) The chief of police of a Class 5 municipality or his or her designee shall be responsible for certifying and revoking the certification of animal control officers, which shall include establishing minimum standards for training and experience that an individual must meet to qualify for certification.

(d) A certified animal control officer authorized by municipal ordinance to issue citations for violations of local animal control laws may do so by either certified mail or personal service.

(e) The municipal court of the respective Class 5 municipality shall have the authority to hear any appeal and impose and enforce civil penalties issued pursuant to this section.

Section 2. This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

Class 5 Municipalities

Animals

Police Officers