HB 446 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

Dogs; required methods of confinement provided; persons and activities exempted; criminal penalty for, animal control officer enforcement of violations established

HB 446, the Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act, requires dogs to be tethered using a specific trolley system (with features like swivels, proper length, and secure attachment) or confined in a secure enclosure that provides adequate space, food, water, and shelter. It exempts certain activities like veterinary care, kennels, dog shows, and training for livestock or hunting. Violations are classified as a Class A misdemeanor, and animal control officers can inspect properties and remove dogs in danger. The law does not apply to dogs on leashes or temporary tethering at campsites or near businesses under specific conditions.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 12, 2026 Last action Mar 11, 2026
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What changed between versions

Introduced Agriculture and Forestry 1st Substitute · 9 edits
MAJOR
The bill was amended to replace the original 'Introduced' version with a substitute version offered by Representative McCampbell. This version significantly rewrites the definitions of care, adds new requirements for tethering equipment, and expands exemptions to include service dogs and business owners tethering dogs near their premises.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include service dogs and individuals tethering dogs near their place of business, while the definition of 'adequate food and water' was simplified to focus on offering suitable amounts at suitable intervals.
DEFINITION

Definitions for 'adequate food' and 'adequate water' were simplified to remove specific details about palatability and contamination, focusing instead on offering sufficient amounts at suitable intervals to prevent starvation or dehydration.

New definitions were added for 'properly fitted' (now limited to naturally worn collars) and 'tether' (explicitly listing chains, leashes, and trolley systems).

REQUIREMENT

Tethering requirements were updated to allow trolley systems but added specific restrictions on tether weight relative to the dog's body weight and prohibited the use of logging chains, choke collars, or pinch collars.

New requirements were added for confining dogs in enclosures, specifying that they must be secure, fully fenced with all four sides enclosed, and provide adequate running space.

Shelter requirements were modified to remove the specific requirement for 'adequate bedding' and the mandate for a 'solid floor,' instead requiring only space to stand, turn, and lie down.

EXEMPTIONS

Service or assistance dogs were added as a new exemption from the act's restrictions.

A new exemption was created for individuals tethering or confining dogs near a place of business while they are inside or interacting with the business.

Temporary tethering or confining of dogs at campsites, recreation areas, or homes is now explicitly exempted if done for a reasonable amount of time regarding weather conditions.

ENFORCEMENT

The enforcement section was updated to authorize county and municipal animal control officers to inspect and enforce violations, replacing the previous language about providing criminal penalties and agents of political subdivisions.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported Out of Committee House of Origin
lower
Feb 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Agriculture and Forestry)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Phillip Ensler
Phillip Ensler
DDemocratic
AL
74