Statewide Law Update (Effective October 1, 2025)
Alabama is set to implement the Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act on October 1, 2025. This law will make it illegal to leave your dog chained or tethered outside unless specific requirements are met. The new law aims to prevent abuse and neglect by regulating how dogs can be tethered or confined outdoors.
Key Requirements Under the New Law
- No Chaining to Stationary Objects: Dogs cannot be left tethered to stationary objects (like trees, doghouses, or poles) unless the method meets approved standards.
- Approved Tethering Methods:
- Use of a dog-specific tether that is no more than 1/8th of the dog’s body weight.
- Tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness (no choke or pinch collars).
- Tether must be part of a trolley system with a cable run at least 10 feet long, secured 4–7 feet above ground, and with swivels at both ends to prevent tangling.
- Outdoor Shelter and Care:
- Dogs must have access to clean water, food, and appropriate shelter at all times.
- Shelter must protect from weather, have four walls, a roof, a solid floor, be ventilated, clean, and large enough for the dog to stand, turn, and stretch.
- Enclosure Requirements: If not tethered, dogs must be kept in a secure enclosure or fully fenced yard with adequate space for exercise, based on the dog’s size and breed.
Exemptions
The law allows certain exceptions, such as:
Temporary tethering at veterinary clinics, shelters, boarding kennels, dog shows, hunting or training events, campsites, or in emergencies (for up to three hours).
Professional grooming facilities.
Penalties
Violation of the law is a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.
Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions and penalties. Many Alabama cities (e.g., Birmingham, Gardendale, Tuscaloosa, Prattville) already have stricter anti-tethering rules and may enforce even more rigorous standards.
Bottom Line
It will be illegal to leave your pet chained outside in Alabama unless you follow the new humane tethering and shelter requirements. Violating these rules can result in criminal penalties. Always check both state law and your local city or county ordinances, as local rules may be stricter and already in effect.
Table
| Tethering Situation | Legal in Alabama? (Oct 2025) |
|---|---|
| Chained to stationary object (improper) | No |
| Trolley system, meets all standards | Yes |
| Temporary, under exemptions | Yes |
| No shelter, food, or water | No |
| Local ordinance stricter | Must follow local law |
Alabama’s new law prioritizes animal welfare by banning most forms of unattended outdoor chaining and setting clear standards for humane tethering and shelter.
Sources
[1] https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/alabama-tethering-outdoor-shelter-bill-scheduled-hearing-tomorrow-4-2-25/
[2] https://www.gulfcoastmedia.com/stories/bill-to-be-introduced-aims-at-protecting-tethered-dogs,207670
[3] https://lovesdogs.org/2025/02/support-the-alabama-dog-tethering-and-outdoor-shelter-act/
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/gardendale-alabama/
[5] https://prattvilleal.gov/ordinance-to-amend-city-of-prattville-code-of-ordinances-chapter-10-animals-article-ii-dogs-section-10-43-dog-tethering/
