Section 13A-11-264 Emergency Euthanization; Defenses.

(a) This article does not prohibit a credentialed euthanasia technician, an authorized handler, or a veterinarian from euthanizing a police animal or search and rescue animal in an emergency if the animal is critically wounded and would otherwise endure undue suffering and pain. (b) It is a defense that the accused person, acting as handler or as an employee or agent of the handler or employing agency, engaged in a reasonable act of training, handling, or discipline of the animal or reasonably believed the violating conduct was necessary to prevent serious physical harm or death of another person.