As of May 2025, Alabama is actively considering the Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act (HB149), which would set statewide standards for how dogs can be tethered or confined outdoors. While this bill is not yet law, it reflects a strong legislative push to regulate the practice and prevent neglect or abuse.
Key Provisions of HB149 (if enacted):
- Chaining or tethering a dog to a stationary object is prohibited unless specific humane conditions are met.
- Dogs must be confined in a secure enclosure or a fully fenced yard, or, if tethered, the system must:
- Use a dog-specific tether (not a logging chain or choke collar).
- Weigh no more than one-eighth of the dog’s body weight.
- Be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness.
- Allow the dog access to clean water, adequate food, and shelter at all times.
- Prevent tangling and injury, and keep the dog safely on the owner’s property.
- Trolley systems are permitted if they meet strict safety and welfare requirements.
- Exemptions include dogs used for hunting, during emergencies (up to three hours), at grooming facilities, or at temporary events like shows or trials.
- Penalties: Violations would be a misdemeanor, punishable by fines or jail time.
Existing Local Ordinances
Many Alabama cities already have their own tethering and chaining laws, which are often stricter than current state law:
- Birmingham: It is illegal to chain a dog or tether it improperly. Tethers must be attached to a running line, not a fixed point, and cannot be chains. Dogs cannot be tethered for more than eight consecutive hours.
- Tuscaloosa: Tethering is only allowed for up to one hour, using a non-choke collar and a tether at least ten feet long. Dogs must have access to food, water, and shelter.
- Dothan: Tethering is only allowed if the owner is present and the dog is at least six months old, healthy, and has access to shelter, water, and dry ground. The tether must meet specific length and safety requirements.
- Athens: Dogs may not be kept on a tether, rope, or chain as a form of confinement. Enclosures must be spacious, secure, and provide weather protection.
- Gardendale: Chaining or tying a pet for more than 12 consecutive hours is prohibited. Animals must be able to roam within at least 100 square feet if tethered, and overhead runs are allowed for limited periods.
General Requirements Across Alabama
Regardless of whether statewide legislation has passed, leaving a pet chained outside in Alabama is increasingly regulated by local ordinances. Common requirements include:
- Tethers must be humane, not cause injury, and allow freedom of movement.
- Dogs must have continuous access to shelter, water, and food.
- Choke or pinch collars and heavy chains are prohibited.
- Tethering in extreme weather is generally not allowed.
- Puppies, sick, or injured dogs may not be tethered.
What Happens If You Violate Tethering Laws?
- Violations can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and even jail time, depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the neglect.
- Each day of violation may count as a separate offense in some cities.
Table: Alabama Pet Tethering Laws
| Area | Chaining/Tethering Allowed? | Key Rules & Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide (pending) | Restricted, with conditions | Humane tethering only, shelter/food/water required, trolley systems preferred, penalties for violations |
| Birmingham | No, unless on running line | No chains, max 8 hours, must be humane |
| Tuscaloosa | Yes, max 1 hour | Non-choke collar, 10-ft tether, food/water/shelter required |
| Dothan | Yes, with owner present | Specific tether length, age/health limits, weather protection |
| Athens | No | Enclosure only, no tethering for confinement |
| Gardendale | Yes, max 12 hours | 100 sq ft roaming, overhead run allowed, penalties for violations |
- In most Alabama cities, it is illegal or strictly regulated to leave your pet chained outside for extended periods or under inhumane conditions.
- Statewide legislation is likely to soon require humane tethering practices, shelter, and care for all outdoor dogs.
- Always check your local ordinances, as city laws may be stricter than state law.
- When in doubt, provide a secure, fenced area and never leave your pet chained without proper shelter, food, and water.
Sources
[1] https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/alabama-tethering-outdoor-shelter-bill-scheduled-hearing-tomorrow-4-2-25/
[2] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tethering-athens-alabama/
[3] https://www.gulfcoastmedia.com/stories/bill-to-be-introduced-aims-at-protecting-tethered-dogs,207670
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tuscaloosa-alabama/
[5] https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2025RS/HB149-int.pdf