SB468 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

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

The bill would ban tethering dogs to stationary objects, require proper outdoor shelter and water for dogs kept outside, and create a new unlawful tethering offense with penalties.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits chaining or tethering a dog to stationary objects. It allows outside confinement only in a pen/enclosure, a secure fenced yard, or a trolley/cable tether that meets specific safety and size rules. It defines what counts as adequate outdoor shelter and requires access to clean water; it creates an unlawful tethering offense (Class B misdemeanor) and lists exemptions for certain activities and settings, such as veterinary practices, shows, hunting/training, camping areas, grooming shops, and emergencies. It also notes the bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime, and it has a defined effective date.

Who It Affects

• Dog owners/keepers in Alabama who would be restricted from tethering dogs to stationary objects and would need to provide approved outdoor confinement and shelter, with potential penalties for unlawful tethering.
• Dog-related facilities and activities (boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, humane shelters, grooming shops, and activities like hunting, training, exhibitions) which receive specific exemptions or allowances under the act, and farmers/herders whose work involves shepherding or agricultural livestock.

Key Provisions

• Section 2: Prohibits chaining or tethering a dog to any stationary object (structure, dog house, pole, tree); walking a dog on a hand-held leash is allowed.
• Section 3: Allows outdoor confinement only by (a) a pen or secure enclosure with adequate space; (b) a fully fenced or electronically fenced yard; (c) a trolley system or tether with detailed safety and distance requirements (no chains heavier than 1/8 of the dog's weight, one dog per cable, proper collar/harness, no choke/pinch collars, swivels on ends, at least 10 feet tether length, 4–7 feet height, access to water and shelter).
• Section 3(b): Lists exceptions where the tethering provision does not apply (veterinary practice, exhibitions/shows, lawful hunting/training, camping/recreation areas, licensed grooming shops, emergencies up to three hours).
• Section 4: Requires outside-confined dogs to have access to clean water and an adequate shelter that is dry, weatherproof, ventilated, with a roof, four walls, a solid floor, enough space to stand, turn, and extend limbs, and free from waste; shelter must allow unlimited access.
• Section 5: Unlawful tethering is a Class B misdemeanor.
• Section 6: Clarifies the bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime or amends a crime definition.
• Section 7: Establishes when the act becomes law (effective date).
• Section 4(c): Exempts dogs used for shepherding/herding or agricultural work from outdoor confinement limits.

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