HB149INTRODUCED
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HB149
9N3LMBB-1
By Representatives Ensler, Lands
RFD: Agriculture and Forestry
First Read: 04-Feb-25
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5 9N3LMBB-1 01/30/2025 ZAK (L)ZAK 2024-2343
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First Read: 04-Feb-25
SYNOPSIS:
Under existing law, animals are afforded
protections regarding their care in this state.
This bill would require certain methods be used
to tether or confine a dog.
This bill would require certain care be provided
to dogs kept outside using one of these methods.
This bill would exempt certain persons and
activities from these requirements.
This bill would also provide a criminal penalty
for tethering or confining a dog in violation of this
act.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to dogs; to provide methods for tethering and
confining dogs; to provide certain standards of care for dogs
kept outside; to exempt certain persons and activities; and to
provide criminal penalties for violations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as
the Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act.
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the Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act.
Section 2. (a) A person may not leave or keep a dog
chained or tethered to a stationary object, including a
structure, dog house, pole, or tree, or otherwise confined
unless in accordance with one of the following:
(1)a. Confined in a secure enclosure that has adequate
space for exercise depending upon the age, size, breed, and
weight of the dog.
b. The secure enclosure shall be constructed with chain
link or other sturdy material, with all four sides enclosed
and with a minimum height sufficient to confine the dog.
(2) Confined in a fully fenced, including
electronically fenced, or otherwise securely enclosed yard
where the dog has the ability to run but is unable to leave
the yard.
(3) Tethered to a trolley system that satisfies all of
the following:
a. The tether is designed for dogs.
b. The tether does not weigh more than one-eighth of
the dog's body weight.
c. The trolley system does not allow the dog to leave
the property of the owner or keeper.
d. Only one dog is tethered to each cable run.
e. The tether is attached to a properly fitting collar
or harness worn by the dog, with adequate space between the
collar and the dog's throat.
f. The tether has a swivel on both ends to minimize
tangling of the collar.
g. The tether and cable run are both at least 10 feet
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g. The tether and cable run are both at least 10 feet
in length and the cable run is secured at least four feet, but
not more than seven feet, above ground level.
h. The length of the tether from the cable run to the
dog's collar or harness allows continuous access at all times
to clean water, adequate food, and shelter as described in
subsection (d).
i. The trolley system is of an appropriate
configuration to confine the dog to the property of the owner
or keeper, prevent the cable run and tether from extending
over an object or edge that could result in injury or
strangulation of the dog, and prevent the cable run and tether
from becoming tangled with other objects or animals.
(b) Subsection (a) shall not be construed to apply to
any of the following:
(1) A licensed veterinary practice that tethers or
confines a dog in the course of its practice.
(2) A boarding kennel or public or private animal
shelter with secure enclosures for the temporary boarding or
housing of dogs.
(3) An exhibition, trial, show, contest, or other
temporary event in which skill, breeding, or stamina of a dog
is judged or examined.
(4) A dog that is used or receives training in a lawful
manner to hunt wildlife.
(5) The temporary tethering of a dog at any campsite or
recreation area.
(6) A licensed grooming shop or facility during the
grooming of a dog.
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grooming of a dog.
(7) Any emergency circumstance during which tethering a
dog is necessary, but not exceeding a period of three hours.
(c) A logging chain or other line or device not
designed or intended for tethering a dog, or a choke collar or
pinch collar, may not be used temporarily or indefinitely to
tether a dog.
(d) In addition to any other requirement, a person
leaving or keeping a dog confined outside shall provide the
dog with access to clean water, adequate food, and shelter
that complies with all of the following:
(1) Allows the dog to remain dry and protected from the
elements, including providing shade for the dog and containing
adequate bedding for cold weather when necessary.
(2) Has a roof, four walls, and a solid floor.
(3) Is constructed or manufactured of durable materials
and provides adequate ventilation.
(4) Has adequate space for the dog to stand up, turn
around, and extend its limbs.
(5) Is free from accumulated waste, standing water, and
debris.
(6) Allows the dog unlimited access.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to do
any of the following:
(1) Subject a dog actively engaged in conduct that is
directly related to the business of shepherding or herding
livestock or cultivating agricultural products to the outdoor
confinement limitations provided by this section.
(2) Prohibit a person from walking a dog on a handheld
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(2) Prohibit a person from walking a dog on a handheld
leash.
(3) Prohibit a person from tethering a dog near a place
of business while the person is inside or otherwise
interacting with the business, subject to the following
conditions:
a. The dog is tethered for a reasonable amount of time.
b. The dog is tethered in a reasonable location near
the place of business.
(f) A person who violates this section shall be guilty
of a Class B misdemeanor.
Section 3. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2025.
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