SB23 Alabama 2016 1st Special Session Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2016

Title

Dogs, used for agricultural work, exempt from local leash laws, exception

Summary

SB23 would exempt agricultural work dogs from state and local leash laws, with an exception for wildlife management areas.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, dogs trained to herd, protect livestock, or assist in farming would not be required to follow local leash or restraint rules. The exemption applies to agricultural work dogs, but leash rules would still apply in wildlife management areas. The act defines agricultural work dog and sets when the law would take effect after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Farmers, ranchers, and livestock owners who use or own agricultural work dogs, who would no longer need to leash these dogs under local or state laws (except in wildlife management areas).
• Wildlife management areas and local authorities enforcing leash laws, who would continue to require leash restraint within wildlife management areas.

Key Provisions

• Definition: 'agricultural work dog' means any dog trained to herd or protect livestock or to assist in agricultural work and that is actually or has been used for such purposes.
• Exemption and exception: Agricultural work dogs are exempt from state or local leash and restraint laws, except that leash requirements still apply in wildlife management areas.
• Effective date: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor (or otherwise becoming law).

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

Subjects

Animals