Beau’s Law now in place for Alabama

• food must be provided at suitable intervals and in sufficient amounts to prevent starvation or significant health risks;

• potable water must be provided at suitable intervals and in sufficient amounts to prevent dehydration or significant health risks;

• sufficient shelter must protect the dog from elements and inclement weather, provide shade and bedding for cold weather, have a roof, walls and solid floor, have ventilation, be free of waste, standing water and debris, allow the dog unlimited access to the shelter and be large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, lie down normally and extend its limbs.

According to the Act that began Oct. 1, a person who violates this act shall pay the full costs of boarding and providing veterinarian care to the dog and be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor for a first violation, a Class B misdemeanor for a second violation, and a Class A misdemeanor for a third and any subsequent violation.

Nothing in this act shall prevent or limit a law enforcement officer from seeking a warrant to enter private property to enforce this act.

Kelley said the rules of the new act are a good start to the problem, but law enforcement needs to have a plan in place to handle situations as they are found.

“I firmly believe in a warning and some education in a respectful manner,” Kelley said. “This is going to be huge in our county and for the whole state. Getting information out there (from the law enforcement side) and educating the public that this is there and this is what you have to do and this is how we will be enforcing it is key. We also need to have some grace for a little bit as bystanders when we observe violations. Our law enforcement have a lot on their plate and I can say, with certainty, that this is going to be a big thing that is reported a lot.”