Despite some opposition, Alabama Legislature approves dog tethering law

Last week, Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law Senate Bill 361 that bans the unlawful tethering of dogs in Alabama and makes it a misdemeanor offense.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), cleared the Senate with a 69-23 vote, but was not without vocal opposition, primarily from legislators representing rural districts who were concerned about the bill’s impact on farmers.

Both Franklin County legislators, Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville) and Sen. Larry Stutts (R-Tuscumbia) voted for the legislation, which becomes effective October 1, 2026.

The law makes it illegal to tether a dog to a stationary object, including trees and poles, without providing adequate shelter, food or water.

Dogs that are tethered outside must be provided with adequate shelter to protect them from inclement weather, and the shelter must have a roof, wall and floor, with space sufficient to allow the dog to stand up, lie down, turn around and stretch.

Under the new law, a first violation is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months in jail and a fine. A second offense becomes a Class B misdemeanor, with a range of punishment including up to six months in jail and up to a $3,000 fine.

A third or subsequent conviction becomes a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine.

The new law also allows a law enforcement officer with probable cause that the law has been violated, to remove the dog if there’s a belief the animal’s life is danger or the owner may be required to provide care for the dog at his or her expense to comply with the law.

Opposition from rural legislators was based on their claims the law unfairly targets farmers and the government is already too intrusive in regulating farmers.

The law applies only to companion animals and/or animals kept as pets. Working dogs are not covered by SB361.

Supporters of the bill expressed shock at opposition to a bill that simply intends to protect animals.

Franklin County Animal Control Officer Joey Wingo said tethering of dogs is something he doesn’t see as much of as in previous years, but agrees there needed to be regulations on how a dog may be tethered.

Any tethering must allow room for the dog to move and protect against the dog getting wrapped up in the tethering.

Wingo said when he receives a complaint pursuant to the new law, he will investigate and if the allegation is substantiated, he will turn over the case to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, where a certified law enforcement officer may move forward with a criminal complaint.