Alabama Passes Bill Banning Unlawful Dog Tethering

Legislation requires proper shelter and care for tethered dogs, drawing debate over rural vs. urban concerns

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:04pm

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A conceptual illustration featuring overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in warm earth tones, depicting a dog tethered to a pole, conveying the tension and motion surrounding the new legislation on dog tethering in Alabama.A new Alabama law aims to ensure basic care and humane treatment for tethered companion animals, sparking debate over animal welfare and individual property rights.Montgomery Today

The Alabama Legislature has given final approval to a bill that would ban the unlawful tethering of dogs in the state. The legislation, sponsored by Republican Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, makes it illegal to tether a dog without providing adequate shelter, food, and water. Violations would result in misdemeanor charges and potential jail time. The bill drew support from urban Democrats and some rural Republicans, while facing opposition from some rural lawmakers concerned about impacts on farmers.

Why it matters

This bill aims to address concerns about animal cruelty and public safety related to neglected dogs, which have led to an increase in dog attacks in recent years. However, the legislation has sparked debate over the balance between animal welfare and the needs of rural communities, where tethering dogs is more common practice.

The details

The bill, SB 361, requires dogs tethered outside to be provided with proper shelter that shields them from the elements. It also allows law enforcement to remove dogs if their life is in danger or order owners to provide care at their own expense. Amendments to the bill defined commercial dog breeders, created tiered criminal penalties, and added protections for property owners and law enforcement.

  • The Alabama Legislature gave final approval to the bill on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The bill will go into effect on October 1, 2026 if signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey.

The players

Garlan Gudger

Republican Senate President Pro Tem who sponsored the dog tethering bill, SB 361.

Phillip Ensler

Democratic Representative who carried the bill in the Alabama House and sponsored similar legislation in previous sessions.

Barry Forte

Democratic Representative who raised concerns about how the bill could impact farmers in rural areas of the state.

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What they’re saying

“This bill is about basic common human decency and compassion towards God's creatures. This bill is very narrowly tailored to only apply to companion dogs, the dogs that people have as a pet.”

— Phillip Ensler, Democratic Representative

“I understand where you're coming from, but my farmers don't understand that. And that's what they elected me for, to speak up for them. You're making the farmers mad when you start telling them what to do. The government is treating them bad enough, I don't think the state should put no more pressure on them.”

— Barry Forte, Democratic Representative

“The idea that they have to have a wooden floor. What, are we gonna build condominiums for dogs now? This, to me, is not something that I can be in favor of. When you come to rural Alabama, people have dogs on chains all the time. Dogs in their natural [habitat] are in the wild. They don't have a roof over their head so why should these be required to have a roof over their heads?”

— Brett Easterbrook, Republican Representative

What’s next

Governor Kay Ivey will decide whether to sign the bill into law after it passed the Alabama Legislature.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing tensions between animal welfare concerns and the traditional practices of rural communities in Alabama. While the bill aims to prevent cruelty and improve public safety, it will require compromise and education to balance the needs of both urban and rural residents.