Two proposed House Bills aim to enhance protections for pets in Alabama by tightening regulations on tethering and abandonment.
If passed, House Bills 149 and 249 would strengthen the state’s animal cruelty laws by establishing clearer guidelines for pet care and imposing stricter penalties for neglect or abuse. Both bills are currently under consideration in the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee.
Sponsored by State Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery), House Bill 149 focuses on the treatment of outdoor animals, particularly those left tethered for extended periods. The legislation seeks to address concerns about dogs being chained in unsafe conditions without adequate shelter, food, or water.
“I have heard from representatives from the southern part of the state all the way to the northernmost part of the state and in between that have shared horror stories of dogs being chained up or tethered in horrible conditions,” Ensler told WTVM 13 News.
Under the proposed law:
- Pets may no longer be chained to stationary objects for extended periods.
- Owners must use a secure enclosure, such as a fenced yard or a trolley system, that meets specific safety standards.
- Trolley systems must be designed for dogs, ensuring attachment to a collar or harness that does not choke the animal.
- Pets must have consistent access to food and water and be protected from extreme heat and cold.
The bill includes exemptions for certain circumstances, such as hunting, herding, and training, as well as grooming facilities and campsites. Violations would be classified as a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.
State Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) is sponsoring House Bill 249, which aims to criminalize the abandonment of domesticated dogs and cats. If passed, this bill would explicitly add abandonment to the legal definition of animal cruelty.
Currently, Alabama law prohibits abuse and neglect but does not specifically define abandonment as a crime. House Bill 249 would classify pet abandonment as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.
Both bills are awaiting further review by the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee. If approved, they will proceed to the full House for debate and potential passage.
Animal welfare advocates have voiced strong support for the legislation, emphasizing the need for stricter laws to prevent neglect and cruelty. Opponents, if any, have yet to publicly challenge the bills.
Alabama residents interested in supporting or opposing these measures can contact their local legislators or follow legislative updates at LegiScan.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
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