HB261 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Dogs, limits for chaining and tethering, seizure by humane officer, penalties, Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act

Summary

HB261 would ban tethering dogs to stationary objects, set outdoor shelter and space standards, create a new unlawful tethering offense with penalties, and outline enforcement rules.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits tethering a dog to stationary objects and requires outdoor confinement to meet defined shelter and space standards, or to use approved confinement like a secure yard or trolley/tether system. It defines adequate outdoor shelter and specifies space requirements based on dog size, with certain facilities exempt from some rules. It creates the offense of unlawful tethering, allows a 72-hour remedy period after warnings, and imposes a Class B misdemeanor for non-compliance, including possible seizure of the dog; officers may seize sooner if there is clear and convincing evidence of risk to the dog's health.

Who It Affects

• Dog owners and keepers, who must comply with tethering prohibitions, space and shelter requirements, and potential penalties or seizure for violations.
• Dogs, who would gain defined minimum outdoor space and shelter and protections from improper tethering.
• Law enforcement and humane officers, who would enforce the act, issue warnings, issue penalties, and may seize dogs when violations occur.
• Boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, and humane shelters, which are exempt from certain outdoor space requirements when used for temporary boarding or housing of dogs.
• Local governments, which are addressed in the constitutional funding notes to indicate the bill creates a new crime and is exempt from certain local-funding approval provisions.

Key Provisions

• Section 2 prohibits tethering a dog to stationary objects; handheld leashes are allowed; no tethering of dogs under six months.
• Section 3 outlines confinement options: (a) pens/enclosures with space based on dog size; (b) fully fenced or securely enclosed yards; (c) trolley/pulley tether with strict rules (weight limit, one dog per cable, proper collar/harness, two-finger clearance, no choke/pinch collars, swivels, minimum 10-foot tether, height 4-7 feet, access to water and shelter).
• Section 4 requires outdoor shelters to be dry, weatherproof, with roof, four walls, solid floor, ventilation, space to stand/turn, protection from elements, sanitation, and continuous access for the dog; exemptions apply for certain activities (shepherding, hunting, camping, grooming).
• Section 5 creates the offense of unlawful tethering for violations.
• Section 6 establishes enforcement: a warning with a 72-hour correction period, a Class B misdemeanor if not corrected, and potential seizure after repeated offenses or when health risk is present.
• Section 7 notes the act is exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it defines a new crime.
• Section 8 specifies the act’s effective date, beginning on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

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

Subjects

Dogs