Handling of Livestock in Markets and in Transit.

Ala. Code tit. 2, ch. 15, art. 5

in effect

Ala. Code § 2-15-110 Inhumane Handling or Handling in Violation of Article Prohibited.

2-15-110. Inhumane Handling or Handling in Violation of Article Prohibited. In order to prevent injury to animals in livestock markets and in transit and to prevent unnecessary abuse and cruelty to animals with resultant loss of profit from the slaughter and sale of such animals, it shall be unlawful in this state to handle or transport such animals in any manner not consistent with humane methods of treatment to such extent as is reasonably possible or in a manner not in compliance with or in violation of the requirements of this article. (Acts 1967, No. 214, p. 578, §1.)

Ala. Code § 2-15-111 Conveyances Used to Transport Livestock to Proceed to Destination Without Delay; Notice to Owner of Livestock of Breakdown.

2-15-111. Conveyances Used to Transport Livestock to Proceed to Destination Without Delay; Notice to Owner of Livestock of Breakdown. (a) All trucks, vans or other conveyances used for the transportation of cattle, sheep, swine or other animals along public roads, streets or highways of Alabama shall, prior to the loading of such animals, be prepared to proceed to their destination without delay and, upon loading, shall proceed by the most direct and usually traveled route. (b) In the event of a breakdown that would cause a delay of the arrival of the livestock at their destination for more than one hour, the owner of such livestock shall be notified as soon as possible of such breakdown. (Acts 1967, No. 214, p. 578, §2.)

Ala. Code § 2-15-112 Construction of Conveyances Used for Transporting of Livestock.

2-15-112. Construction of Conveyances Used for Transporting of Livestock. All such trucks, vans or other conveyances used for the transporting of the animals described in this article shall be so constructed that the roof of any deck of the conveyance will not touch the highest point of the back of any animal loaded thereon. Any such conveyance which is propelled or drawn by the use of diesel fuel shall have the exhaust so placed that the fumes will not blow directly into the area in which the animals are loaded either when the conveyance is in motion or when it is motionless. (Acts 1967, No. 214, p. 578, §3.)

Ala. Code § 2-15-113 Use of Sticks, Whips, Chains, Etc., in Livestock Markets; Promulgation of Rules and Regulations by Commissioner as to Treatment of Livestock in Markets; Inspections of Markets for Enforcement of Section.

2-15-113. Use of Sticks, Whips, Chains, Etc., in Livestock Markets; Promulgation of Rules and Regulations by Commissioner as to Treatment of Livestock in Markets; Inspections of Markets for Enforcement of Section. In addition to the authority granted to the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Industries pursuant to Division 1 of Article 4 of this chapter, the said commissioner, with the approval of the State Board of Agriculture and Industries, shall be authorized to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for the humane treatment of animals held in livestock markets and while being sold or offered for sale in such markets, including the number, kind and size of animals that may be held in pens or areas of stipulated dimensions, regulations for the feeding and care of such animals and for the maintenance of sanitary conditions of the premises. Sticks, canes or whips shall not be used in such a manner so as to injure an animal. The use of chains, spikes, clubs or other injurious devices are hereby prohibited except under extreme circumstances where it is necessary to prevent injury to persons or other animals; and flappers, other noisemaking devices, electric prods of not more than six volts in strength and other contrivances which have been found to be equally effective shall be used wherever possible for such purposes. The Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries shall provide for the regular inspection of such livestock markets for the purpose of enforcing the requirements of this section. (Acts 1967, No. 214, p. 578, §4.)

Ala. Code § 2-15-114 Penalties for Violations of Provisions of Article, Rules or Regulations Promulgated Thereunder, Etc.; Liability of Managers, Etc., of Transportation Agencies or Livestock Markets Permitting Violations of Article by Employees, Agents, Etc.

2-15-114. Penalties for Violations of Provisions of Article, Rules or Regulations Promulgated Thereunder, Etc.; Liability of Managers, Etc., of Transportation Agencies or Livestock Markets Permitting Violations of Article by Employees, Agents, Etc. (a) Any person who shall violate any of the provisions or requirements of this article, or who fails to perform any duty imposed by the provisions of this article or who violates any rule or regulation duly promulgated under this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $10.00 nor more than $100.00 and, within the discretion of the court, may also be imprisoned for not more than six months. (b) The manager, executive officer, owner or other person in charge of any transportation agency or livestock market who knowingly allows any employee, agent or servant to violate any of the provisions or requirements of this article or who knows that any employee, agent or servant is violating any provisions of this article and who does not take immediate steps to correct such violations shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished as provided in subsection (a) of this section. (Acts 1967, No. 214, p. 578, §5.)

Source: Alabama Legislature (alison.legislature.state.al.us)URL: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabamaFetched: 10/20/2026