HB679 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Todd Greeson
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: DeKalb Co., dogs, dangerous dogs in unincorporated areas of county, procedure for determining, dog required to be kept in fenced enclosure, penalties, const. amend.
Summary: HB679 would let DeKalb County outside city limits adopt a local constitutional amendment to create rules for dangerous dogs, including how they’re declared, kept, registered, and punished, with penalties and official immunity.
What This Bill Does
It establishes a process to declare a dog dangerous and either destroy it or, if it hasn’t seriously injured anyone, return it to the owner if the dog is registered and kept in a secure enclosure. It sets strict requirements for enclosure design, dog identification, vaccination, neutering, insurance, and registration, and it creates penalties for violations. It also provides immunity from liability for county officers and outlines court procedures for determining whether a dog is dangerous and whether it should be euthanized, along with a path to remove the designation after 18 months if conditions are met.

Who It Affects
Dog owners in DeKalb County outside municipal boundaries: they could have their dogs declared dangerous, must register the dog, meet enclosure and identification requirements, pay a dangerous-dog fee, and face possible euthanization and costs if rules are violated.
DeKalb County animal control officers and county officials: they would have authority to investigate, declare dogs dangerous, impound dogs, enforce the rules, and receive immunity from liability for actions taken under the amendment.

Key Provisions
Applies only to areas of DeKalb County outside any municipality and requires voter approval as a constitutional amendment.
Dangerous-dog declaration process: a dog that has bitten/attacked or caused injury can be declared dangerous; if the dog caused serious injury or death, it must be euthanized; if not, it may be returned to the owner if registration and enclosure requirements are met.
Enclosure and identification standards: a dog declared dangerous must be kept in a proper enclosure that is lockable, has secure sides/top, is buried or on a concrete pad to prevent digging, provides ventilation, and has a posted warning sign; the dog must be able to stand normally.
Registration requirements: within 30 days of a court declaration, the owner must register the dog with the county animal control center with a current rabies vaccine, a photo, proof of confinement, neutering/spaying, microchip identification, veterinarian details, and an insurance/bond policy of at least $100,000.
Fees and costs: owners must pay an annual dangerous-dog registration fee set by the county commission, in addition to regular dog licenses; owners are responsible for impounding and veterinary costs if the dog is kept or treated.
Penalties: causing serious injury or death by a previously declared dangerous dog is a Class C felony; other knowing violations can be Class A or Class C misdemeanors, with additional required expenses paid by the owner (shelter, veterinary costs, victim medical costs, etc.).
Enforcement and liability: officers may investigate and enforce the rule, and the county and its officials are immune from liability for actions taken under the amendment.
Removal of dangerous-dog designation: an owner can petition the court after 18 months to remove the designation if there have been no violations and the dog is no longer dangerous.

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