As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) ANIMAL SHELTER. Any facility operated by or under contract for the state or any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the state for the purpose of impounding or harboring seized, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted dogs, cats, and other animals; any veterinary hospital or clinic operated by a veterinarian or veterinarians which operates for such purpose in addition to its customary purposes; and any facility operated, owned, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare organization, or other nonprofit organization for the purpose of providing for and promoting the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals.

Terms Used In Alabama Code 3-9-1

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • following: means next after. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
(2) ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATION. Any unincorporated nonprofit organization or business entity existing for fostering and adopting dogs and cats by the public.
(3) SEXUALLY MATURE ANIMAL. Any dog or cat that has reached the age of 180 days.
(4) STERILIZATION. The surgical removal of the reproductive organs of a dog or cat in order to render the animal unable to reproduce.