Bill > HB446

This bill, known as the Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act, establishes specific requirements for how dogs can be tethered or confined outdoors, defining "adequate food" as sufficient and appropriate sustenance to prevent starvation or health risks, and "adequate water" as potable water provided in sufficient amounts to prevent dehydration or health risks, and "properly fitted" for collars or harnesses to ensure they are appropriately sized, do not impede breathing or cause pain, and are designed for dogs. It prohibits tethering a dog to a stationary object unless a specific trolley system is used, which must meet detailed criteria regarding tether weight, length, swivel ends, and secure attachment to a properly fitted collar or harness, ensuring continuous access to food, water, and shelter, and preventing entanglement or injury; it also forbids the use of logging chains or choke/pinch collars for indefinite tethering and mandates that dogs confined outdoors must be in a secure enclosure with adequate space and sturdy construction, or a fully fenced yard allowing freedom to run but preventing escape. However, these rules do not apply to licensed veterinary practices, boarding kennels, animal shelters, dog exhibitions or trials, dogs being trained for hunting or obedience, temporary tethering at campsites or recreation areas, grooming facilities during grooming, or emergency situations not exceeding a reasonable time. The bill also outlines requirements for outdoor shelter, ensuring it protects from the elements, has a roof, walls, and a solid floor, provides adequate ventilation and space, is kept clean, and allows unlimited access. It exempts dogs used for shepherding, herding livestock, cultivating agricultural products, hunting, or retrieving, as well as dogs being walked on a leash or temporarily tethered near a business while the owner is inside, provided the tethering is for a reasonable time and in a reasonable location. The bill empowers counties and municipalities to appoint animal control officers to investigate violations, and allows law enforcement officers to remove a dog or order care at the owner's expense if a violation is suspected and the animal's life is in danger, with immunity granted to officials acting in good faith, and establishes that violations are a Class A misdemeanor, requiring the offender to pay all boarding and veterinary costs for the dog, with the act taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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