HB149 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Phillip EnslerRepresentative
Democrat
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Dogs; required methods of confinement provided; persons and activities exempted; criminal penalty for violation established
Summary: HB149 sets rules for tethering and outdoor shelter for dogs kept outside, adds care standards, provides exemptions, and establishes penalties for violations, effective October 1, 2025.
What This Bill Does
Requires dogs kept outside to be confined by one of three methods (secure enclosure, fully fenced yard, or a trolley system) that meet specific size, safety, and design standards, and to have continuous access to water, food, and shelter. Prohibits certain devices and imposes a Class B misdemeanor for violations. Lists numerous exemptions for veterinarians, boarding facilities, shelters, shows, hunting/training, campsites, grooming, emergencies, and limited business-tethering scenarios. Takes effect October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects
Outdoor dog owners/keepers: must ensure confinement and care meet the bill's specified methods and shelter standards or face penalties.
Exempt groups and contexts: veterinarians, boarding kennels and animal shelters, dog shows and trials, lawful hunting/training, emergency or temporary tethering situations, grooming facilities (during grooming), camping/recreational contexts, and certain tethering near a business under conditions.

Key Provisions
Confined dogs outdoors must be kept in one of three ways: (1) a secure enclosure with adequate exercise space and sturdy construction; (2) a fully fenced or electronically fenced yard; or (3) a trolley system meeting detailed specifications for weight, length, height, swivels, and space to access water/food/shelter.
Tethering and tethered dogs must meet strict specifications (weight limits, no leaving the property, proper collar/harness, swivel on ends, minimum 10-foot length, cable run 4 to 7 feet high, continuous access to water/food/shelter).
Outside shelters must meet standards: dry/protected from elements, roof/walls/floor, durable materials with ventilation, space to stand/turn/extend limbs, and free from waste/standing water/debris; unlimited access to the dog.
Prohibits use of logging chains or non-dog-specific lines and devices; prohibits choke or pinch collars for tethering.
Provides numerous exemptions from these requirements (veterinary practice, boarding kennels/shelters, exhibitions/shows, hunting/training, emergency temporary tethering, campsite tethering, grooming during grooming).
Violations carry a Class B misdemeanor penalty.
Effective date: October 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Animals; Crimes & Offenses