HB231 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Yvonne Kennedy

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

James E. BuskeyRandy DavisVictor GastonChad FincherJamie IsonJim BartonNapoleon BracyDavid Sessions

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Mobile Co., dangerous dogs, procedures for declaring dog dangerous or a nuisance in unincorporated areas of county, registration requirement, penalties, Act 2008-127, 2008 Reg. Sess. repealed

Summary

HB231 creates a Mobile County process to declare and manage dangerous or nuisance dogs in unincorporated areas, including mandatory registration, containment rules, penalties, and humane destruction when needed, repealing the prior 2008 law.

What This Bill Does

It applies only in Mobile County outside city limits. It sets up investigations by animal control or law enforcement for incidents involving dogs declared dangerous or a nuisance. If an unowned dog bites a person, it may be quarantined and destroyed; if a owned dog is declared dangerous or a nuisance, a court will determine the outcome, which can include euthanasia or specific requirements. If a dog is declared dangerous or a nuisance but has not caused serious injury, the owner must register the dog within 30 days and meet several conditions (vaccination, photo, secure enclosure, neuter/spay, identification, insurance or bond, and related safeguards); failure to comply can lead to euthanasia and the act repeals the 2008 law.

Who It Affects

• Dog owners in Mobile County’s unincorporated areas who must register and meet enclosure, identification, vaccination, insurance, and other conditions if their dog is deemed dangerous or a nuisance.
• Mobile County animal control officers and law enforcement personnel who will investigate incidents, impound dogs, enforce registration and enclosure requirements, and enforce immediate removal if a threat is detected.

Key Provisions

• Applies only in Mobile County outside the corporate limits of municipalities.
• Defines key terms: animal control officer, dangerous dog, nuisance dog, owner, impounded, and proper enclosure.
• Allows investigation of incidents involving dogs declared dangerous or a nuisance and authorizes impounding pending court action.
• Petition and court process to declare a dog dangerous or a nuisance, with fast-tracked hearings and potential euthanasia if serious injury or death occurs.
• If the dog is dangerous or a nuisance but has not caused serious injury, the owner must register the dog within 30 days with the local animal control authority or county health department and provide required documentation.
• Registration requirements include current rabies vaccination, a photo, secure enclosure, neuter/spay, microchip or tattoo identification, insurance or bond of at least $100,000, written permission from the property owner if applicable, and a notarized affidavit about control and confinement.
• Failure to provide a proper enclosure or complete registration within 30 days can result in humane euthanasia of the dog.
• An annual registration fee for dangerous or nuisance dogs is established by the county.
• A dog previously declared dangerous or a nuisance can have the designation removed by court after 18 months if the owner has complied with all orders and violations.
• Offenders face penalties: misdemeanor up to $300 for first offense and up to $600 for subsequent offenses; a dog that previously caused severe injury or death can lead to a Class C felony with fines up to $5,000 or up to two years in prison.
• In certain cases, the dog control authority may confiscate and destroy a dangerous dog after a 10-working-day notice period to allow a due process hearing.
• Nuisance dogs face similar misdemeanor penalties, and law enforcement may remove a dangerous or nuisance dog immediately if the dog poses a public threat.
• Act 2008-127 is repealed and replaced by HB231.
• The act becomes effective immediately upon approval by the governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Mobile County