Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that establishes requirements for the wellbeing of dogs kept outside in Alabama.

Highlights:

• Prohibits individuals from tethering a dog to a stationary object unless the dog is tethered via a trolley system in accordance with the following (Sec. 2):

• The tether is not unreasonably heavy in relation to the weight of the dog;

• The tether does not allow the dog to leave the property of the person responsible for the dog;

• The tether is connected to only one dog;

• The tether is attached to a properly fitted collar or harness worn by the dog;

• The tether has a swivel on both sides that minimizes tangling;

• The tether allows the dog continuous access to adequate food, water, and shelter; and

• The tether is situated to prevent entanglement with other objects or animals.

• Prohibits individuals from confining dogs within an enclosure unless it is in accordance with the following (Sec. 2):

• The enclosure is secure, fully fenced, and has adequate space for the dog to move around;

• The dog has continuous access at all times to adequate food, water, and shelter; and

• The enclosure prevents the dog from leaving the property of the person responsible for the dog.

• Specifies that an individual who leaves a dog tethered or confined outside must provide the dog with access to shelter that does the following (Sec. 3):

• Allows the dog to remain dry and protected from the elements and inclement weather;

• Is fully enclosed with an adequate opening for the dog to enter and exit;

• Has space for the dog to stand up, turn around, lie down in a normal position, and extend its limbs;

• Is constructed of durable materials and adequately ventilated;

• Is free from adequate waste, standing water, and debris; and

• Allows the dog unlimited access to the shelter.

• Authorizes governing bodies of counties or municipalities to appoint one or more animal control officers to investigate alleged violations of this Act (Sec. 5). 

• Classifies a first violation of this Act as a Class C misdemeanor, a second violation as a Class B misdemeanor, and a third or subsequent violation as a Class A misdemeanor (Sec. 6).

• Requires an individual who violates this Act to pay the full costs of boarding and providing veterinary care to the dog (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that this Act will take effect on October 1, 2026 (Sec. 8).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that establishes requirements for the wellbeing of dogs kept outside in Alabama.

Highlights:

• Prohibits individuals from tethering a dog to a stationary object unless the dog is tethered via a trolley system in accordance with the following (Sec. 2):

• The tether is not unreasonably heavy in relation to the weight of the dog;

• The tether does not allow the dog to leave the property of the person responsible for the dog;

• The tether is connected to only one dog;

• The tether is attached to a properly fitted collar or harness worn by the dog;

• The tether has a swivel on both sides that minimizes tangling;

• The tether allows the dog continuous access to adequate food, water, and shelter; and

• The tether is situated to prevent entanglement with other objects or animals.

• Prohibits individuals from confining dogs within an enclosure unless it is in accordance with the following (Sec. 2):

• The enclosure is secure, fully fenced, and has adequate space for the dog to move around;

• The dog has continuous access at all times to adequate food, water, and shelter; and

• The enclosure prevents the dog from leaving the property of the person responsible for the dog.

• Specifies that an individual who leaves a dog tethered or confined outside must provide the dog with access to shelter that does the following (Sec. 3):

• Allows the dog to remain dry and protected from the elements and inclement weather;

• Is fully enclosed with an adequate opening for the dog to enter and exit;

• Has space for the dog to stand up, turn around, lie down in a normal position, and extend its limbs;

• Is constructed of durable materials and adequately ventilated;

• Is free from adequate waste, standing water, and debris; and

• Allows the dog unlimited access to the shelter.

• Authorizes governing bodies of counties or municipalities to appoint one or more animal control officers to investigate alleged violations of this Act (Sec. 5). 

• Classifies a first violation of this Act as a Class C misdemeanor, a second violation as a Class B misdemeanor, and a third or subsequent violation as a Class A misdemeanor (Sec. 6).

• Requires an individual who violates this Act to pay the full costs of boarding and providing veterinary care to the dog (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that this Act will take effect on October 1, 2026 (Sec. 8).

Full Bill Text