SB102 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

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

Summary

SB 102 would exempt agricultural work dogs and hunting dogs from state or local leash and restraint laws when they are performing their designated activities.

What This Bill Does

It defines two terms: 'agricultural work dog' (trained to herd or protect livestock or assist in agricultural work) and 'hunting dog' (trained to hunt wild game with a handler). The bill specifies that local leash or restraint laws do not apply to an agricultural work dog during agricultural work, or to a hunting dog during hunting wild game. This means those dogs would not be required to be leashed in those contexts under state or local rules. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Farmers, ranchers, and others who use agricultural work dogs for livestock-related tasks; these dogs would be exempt from leash laws while performing agricultural work.
• Hunters and owners of hunting dogs; these dogs would be exempt from leash laws while engaged in hunting wild game.

Key Provisions

• Defines agricultural work dog as a dog trained to herd or protect livestock or assist in agricultural work and actually or has been used for such purposes.
• Defines hunting dog as a dog trained to hunt wild game with a handler.
• Local leash or restraint laws do not apply to an agricultural work dog during agricultural work or to a hunting dog during hunting wild game.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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