Alabama Leash Laws

By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq. | Last reviewed November 08, 2024

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

In Alabama, most laws regarding animal restraints come from city, county, or town ordinances. State law generally requires pet owners to leash or otherwise restrain their pets in public places, like parks and public sidewalks. 

In Alabama, cities and counties are generally in charge of animal control. Because of this, most leash laws originate at the city and county levels. There are relatively few state laws regarding leashing animals.

For example, the city of Birmingham, Alabama, has an ordinance that makes it unlawful for any dog or cat owner to allow their pet "to be or to run at large." In other words, an owner must generally leash their pet if it is off their private property. A conviction for a first-time offense is $100. Subsequent convictions carry higher fines and potential imprisonment.

Birmingham also allows animal control officers to impound dogs or cats in an animal control center. They must confine the animals for at least three days, but they can "dispose" of such dogs and cats afterward if their owners do not claim them.

This article provides an overview of Alabama's state leash laws. It also provides a brief look at several city ordinances throughout the state of Alabama. For more general information, visit FindLaw's article on Dog Laws.

Alabama Leash and Restraint of Dogs: State Law Overview

The table below contains Alabama's state laws regarding leashed animals. Below the chart, you'll find several links to city ordinances and related resources. Note that different rules may apply to service animals, companion animals, and emotional support animals.

Code Section

Code of Alabama Title 3, Chapter 1 - General Provisions

Dog owner responsibilities

Dog owners (and those in charge of dogs) must confine their dog(s) to the limits of the property where they regularly keep the dog(s). However, the dog's owner or someone in charge of the dog may bring them outside of such property. (§ 3-1-5(a))

The requirements of § 3-1-5(a) do not apply to dogs in a city, county, or town that requires a dog to have license tags. (§ 3-1-5(b))

A property owner or person in charge of a dog who violates this section commits a misdemeanor. A conviction carries a fine between $2 and $50.

Owner liability

If a dog kills or injures livestock while it is off the owner's premises, the owner or person in charge of the dog is liable for damages sustained by the dog's actions. (§ 3-1-6)

Guide dogs

A public accommodation, amusement, or recreational establishment cannot refuse to permit a guide dog entry so it can accompany and lead a blind person. The dog must wear a harness, and the blind person must present credentials for the guide dog that issued by an accredited school for training guide dogs.

An owner, employee, etc., of public property that violates this law commits a misdemeanor. The court may issue a fine of up to $50 if convicted. (§ 3-1-7)

Selected City Ordinances: Leash Laws

As noted above, cities, counties, and towns generally set their own animal control laws. The following provides a brief look at several cities' leash laws. For more information, visit the links below. To find your applicable law regarding the restraint of dogs, search for your city, county, or town's name and city ordinances.

Auburn

Dog owners in Auburn must always keep their dogs under restraint. It's unlawful for the owner of any dog to allow their dog off-leash in public.

Huntsville:

Every Huntsville dog owner must keep the animal under effective restraint while the dog is within the city. The ordinance applies whether the dog is on or away from the owner's property.

Mobile:

All animal owners in Mobile must keep their animals on a leash or other effective restraint, regardless of whether or not such animals are on or off the owner's property.

Montgomery:

It's unlawful for a dog owner in Montgomery to allow or permit their dog to run at large within the city.

Tuscaloosa:

It's unlawful for a Tuscaloosa dog owner to allow or permit their unrestrained dog on public property. They must use a leash, rope, or chain that is 10 feet long or less and sufficient strength to control the dog's actions. It's not a defense that the owner did not know their dog was at large.

Related Resources

For more information about Alabama law and the general rules regarding the restraint of dogs and other animals, visit the following links:

As noted above, you can also search for your city, county, or town's local ordinances for more specific information about leash laws.

Questions About Leash Laws? An Attorney Can Help

Animal laws often intersect with other legal areas. For example, illegally owning a dangerous animal, engaging in animal cruelty, or if your negligence leads to a dog bite, you may have a civil, criminal, or personal injury case arise. Failing to neuter or give your pet a rabies vaccination in some jurisdictions could also open the door to legal trouble.

If you have questions about leash laws or other animal control laws in Alabama, consider contacting an animal law attorney near you. If you face criminal charges related to an animal bite or something similar, contact an Alabama criminal defense attorney. An experienced attorney can provide specific legal advice for your situation. Contact one today to get started.

Was this helpful?

Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
  • Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
  • A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties

Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Alabama attorneys offer free consultations.

 

 If you need an attorney, find one right now.

Helpful Links