HB202 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim Patterson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Animals, dogs, humane treatment of, humane tethering device, limited immunity

Summary

HB202 creates the Humane Tethering Act, setting standards for tethering dogs and making inhumane tethering a misdemeanor.

What This Bill Does

Defines key terms and sets guidelines for tethering dogs. Requires tethering to use a humane tethering device that allows movement, prevents entanglement, and uses an overhead line with a trolley and swivels. Requires a tethering setup at least 10 feet long, limits to one dog per device, and ensures access to shelter, food, and water. Prohibits tethering during severe weather, lists exemptions, and lets police enforce the rule with violations classified as a Class B misdemeanor. The bill notes it creates a new crime, so it is exempt from certain local-funding requirements and becomes law three months after approval.

Who It Affects

• Dog owners in Alabama would need to follow the humane tethering rules or risk a misdemeanor if they tether a dog improperly.
• Law enforcement and animal-control officers would enforce the act, educate owners on compliance, and may remove a dog in serious cases.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Humane Tethering Act to regulate how dogs can be contained outdoors.
• Defines terms: dog, humane tethering device, and shelter.
• Prohibits tying or chaining a dog as the primary containment method unless using a humane tethering device.
• Requires humane tethering devices to allow movement, prevent entanglement, and use an overhead line with a trolley and swivels; minimum 10-foot line.
• Limits one dog per tethering device and requires access to shelter, food, and water.
• Prohibits tethering outdoors during severe weather events with warnings.
• Provides exemptions for veterinary care, camping/recreation areas, hunting, grooming, exhibitions, and emergencies.
• Enforcement by law enforcement; violations are Class B misdemeanors; officers may instruct compliance or remove a dog in egregious cases.
• Excludes local funding requirements because it creates a new crime; becomes effective 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

Animals