TITLE 3. ANIMAL. CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
§ 3-1-1 . Keeping of dog known to kill, etc., stock prohibited; liability of owner for injuries, etc., caused by same; liability for killing of same.
§ 3-1-2 . Liability of owner, etc., for injuries caused by rabid dog.
§ 3-1-3 . Liability of owner, etc., permitting vicious or dangerous animal to be at liberty, etc., for injuries caused by same.
§ 3-1-4 . Permitting dog or hog known to kill, etc., sheep, domestic fowl, etc., to run at large.
§ 3-1-5 . Permitting dogs to run at large; applicability of provisions of section in counties and certain cities or towns.
§ 3-1-5.1. Agricultural work dogs and hunting dogs exempt from leash or restraint laws when hunting wild game.
§ 3-1-6 . Liability of owner, etc., for injuries to livestock, etc., caused by dog while off premises of owner, etc.
§ 3-1-7 . Refusal to permit guide dog to accompany blind person into place of public accommodation, etc.
§ 3-1-8 . Destruction of certain abandoned animals by members, etc., of societies for prevention of cruelty to animals.
§ 3-1-9 . Injury or destruction of dipping vat of another. Repealed by Acts 1977, No. 607, p. 812, § 9901, as amended, effective January 1, 1980.
§ 3-1-10 . Wanton, malicious, etc., destruction, injury, etc., of animal or article or commodity of value of another -- Prohibited.
§ 3-1-11 . Wanton, malicious, etc., destruction, injury, etc., of animal or article or commodity of value of another -- Proof of trespassing by animal in mitigation or justification of offense; tender of compensation.
§ 3-1-11.1 . Killing or disabling livestock; penalty.
§ 3-1-12 . Cruelty to animals. Repealed by Acts 1977, No. 607, p. 812, § 9901, as amended, effective January 1, 1980.
§ 3-1-13 . Right of officers, etc., of humane societies to take charge of and care for neglected or abused animals; written notice to owner from whom animal taken; lien for expenses for care and keeping of animal.
§ 3-1-14 . Unlawful or malicious killing, injury, etc., of dog of another. Repealed by Acts 1977, No. 607, p. 812, § 9901, as amended, effective January 1, 1980.
§ 3-1-15 - § 3-1-27 omitted because unrelated to dogs
§ 3-1-28 . Burial or burning of bodies of dead animals generally; burning of hogs dying from cholera, etc.; failure to burn or bury dead animal, etc.
§ 3-1-29 . Activities relating to fighting of dogs prohibited; punishment; confiscation; procedures for disposition of animals.
TITLE 3. ANIMALS. CHAPTER 6. LIABILITY OF OWNERS OF DOGS BITING OR INJURING PERSONS.
§ 3-6-1 . Liability of owner of dog for injuries to person bitten or injured while upon property owned or controlled by owner, etc.
§ 3-6-2 . When person deemed lawfully on property of owner of dog.
§ 3-6-3 . Mitigation of damages.
§ 3-6-4 . Construction of chapter.
Chapter 6A. Control of Dangerous Dogs.
§ 3-6A-1. Short title.
§ 3-6A-2. Legislative findings.
§ 3-6A-3. Definitions.
§ 3-6A-4. Sworn statement; dangerous dog investigation; hearing; procedures.
§ 3-6A-5. Violations.
§ 3-6A-6. Construction with other laws; penalties.
§ 3-6A-7. Construction and application of chapter.
§ 3-6A-8. Duties of animal control officer.
[Link to page for provisions for Chilton County only (Ala.Code 1975 § 45-11-172 - 172.08)]
[Link to page for provisions for Mobile County only (Ala. Code 1975 § 45-49-170.20 - .28; Ala.Code 1975 § 45-49-231]
TITLE 3. ANIMALS. CHAPTER 7A. RABIES.
§ 3-7A-1 . Definitions.
§ 3-7A-2 . Dogs and cats to be immunized; certificate; validity; to whom sale, etc., of vaccine may be made.
§ 3-7A-3 . Fee for immunization.
§ 3-7A-4 . Issuance of tag.
§ 3-7A-5 . Replacement of certificate and tag.
§ 3-7A-6 . Penalty for dog or cat without tag or certificate.
§ 3-7A-7 . Maintenance of pound; notice of impoundment; adoption of animals.
§ 3-7A-8 . Destruction of impounded dogs and cats; when authorized; redemption by owner; sale of impounded animals.
§ 3-7A-9 . Quarantine of dog or cat which bites human being; destruction of animal and examination of head; certain acts of or omissions by owner unlawful; delivery of quarantine instructions to owner; report of results; canine corps and seeing eye dogs.
§ 3-7A-10 . Destruction of domesticated species exposed to rabid animal; quarantine as option on recommendation of Department of Public Health.
§ 3-7A-11 . County rabies officer; application; appointment; term; powers and duties; authority of county board of health.
§ 3-7A-12 . Penalty for violations.
§ 3-7A-13 . Placement of area under quarantine; additional measures.
§ 3-7A-14 . Power of municipalities.
§ 3-7A-15 . Rules.
§ 3-7A-16 . Relation to Volunteer Service Act.
TITLE 3. ANIMALS. CHAPTER 8. RABIES VACCINE.
§ 3-8-1 . Rabies vaccine required for any canidae or felidae; applicability.
TITLE 9. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES. CHAPTER 11. FISH, GAME, AND WILDLIFE.
Article 8. Hunting and Trapping of Birds and Game.
§ 9-11-238. Hunting, etc., of wild turkeys with dogs.
ARTICLE 10. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS.
§ 9-11-305 . When dogs permitted in areas; liability of owners of dogs at large in areas.
§ 9-11-306 . Repealed by Act 2015-70, § 1(12), effective April 21, 2015.
§ 9-11-307 . Penalties for violations of provisions of article, etc.
Title 45. Local Laws. Chapter 37A. Jefferson County Municipalities. Article 5. Birmingham. Part 4. Health and Environment.
§ 45-37A-53.01. Keeping of dogs in certain vacant lots.
Links on other pages:
§ 3-1-29. Activities relating to fighting of dogs prohibited; violations; confiscation; procedures for disposition of animals; bond for the care of seized dog; forfeiture. (Ala. Code 1975 § 3-1-29)
§ 3-5-3. Liability of owner for damages done by livestock or animals running at large; judgment lien upon animal or livestock causing damage (Ala. Code 1975 § § 3-5-3)
§ 40-12-111. Horse show, rodeo, or dog and pony shows (Ala.Code 1975 § 40-12-111)
§ 22-20-5.3. Pet dogs permitted in outdoor dining areas of food service establishments under certain conditions (Ala.Code 1975 § 22-20-5.3)
Title 45. Local Laws. Chapter 11. Chilton County. Article 17. Health and Environment. Part 3. Animal Control (Ala.Code 1975 § 45-11-172 - 172.08)
Consolidated Animal Cruelty Laws
Consolidated Service Animal Laws
Chapter 9. Sterilization of Dogs and Cats
TITLE 3. ANIMAL. CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
§3-1-1. Keeping of dog known to kill, etc., stock prohibited; liability of owner for injuries, etc., caused by same; liability for killing of same.
No person shall keep any dog which has been known to kill or worry sheep or other stock without being set upon the same. Any person knowingly keeping such dog is liable for double the value of all stock killed or injured by such dog, such damages to be recovered by the owner of such stock before any court of competent jurisdiction and no action shall be maintained against anyone for killing such dog.
(Code 1867, § 1296; Code 1876, § 1601; Code 1886, § 1379; Code 1896, § 421; Code 1907, § 2832; Code 1923, § 6072; Code 1940, T. 3, § 1.)
§ 3-1-2. Liability of owner, etc., for injuries caused by rabid dog.
The owner or person in charge of any dog, who knows that such dog has been bitten by a rabid dog or has knowledge of such facts that if followed up would disclose the facts that such dog has been bitten by or exposed to a rabid dog, if such dog becomes a rabid dog and bites any person, stock, hogs or cattle shall be liable to twice the damages sustained by the person injured, including appropriate medical treatment, such damages to be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(Acts 1915, No. 477, p. 541; Code 1923, § 6073; Code 1940, T. 3, § 2.)
§ 3-1-3. Liability of owner, etc., permitting vicious or dangerous animal to be at liberty, etc., for injuries caused by same.
When any person owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind and, as a result of his careless management of the same or his allowing the same to go at liberty, and another person, without fault on his part, is injured thereby, such owner or keeper shall be liable in damages for such injury.
(Code 1907, § 2470; Code 1923, § 5678; Code 1940, T. 3, § 3.)
§ 3-1-4. Permitting dog or hog known to kill, etc., sheep, domestic fowl, etc., to run at large.
Any person, who, owning or having in his possession or under his control any dog or hog known to worry or kill sheep, domestic fowls or goats suffers such dog or hog to run at large must, on conviction, be fined not less than $5.00 nor more than $50.00.
(Code 1876, § 4405; Code 1886, § 4171; Code 1896, § 5591; Code 1907, § 6236; Code 1923, § 3219; Code 1940, T. 3, § 4.)
§ 3-1-5. Permitting dogs to run at large; applicability of provisions of section in counties and certain cities or towns.
(a) Every person owning or having in charge any dog or dogs shall at all times confine such dog or dogs to the limits of his own premises or the premises on which such dog or dogs is or are regularly kept. Nothing in this section shall prevent the owner of any dog or dogs or other person or persons having such dog or dogs in his or their charge from allowing such dog or dogs to accompany such owner or other person or persons elsewhere than on the premises on which such dog or dogs is or are regularly kept. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $2.00 nor more than $50.00.
(b) This section shall not apply to the running at large of any dog or dogs within the corporate limits of any city or town in this state that requires a license tag to be kept on dogs nor shall this section apply in any county in this state until the same has been adopted by the county commission of such county.
(Acts 1915, No. 185, p. 259; Code 1923, § 3221; Code 1940, T. 3, § 5.)
§ 3-1-5.1. Agricultural work dogs and hunting dogs exempt from leash or restraint laws when hunting wild game.
(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) Agricultural work dog. Any dog that is trained to herd or protect livestock or to otherwise assist in agricultural work and is actually or has been used for such purposes.
(2) Hunting dog. Any dog trained to hunt wild game with a handler.
(b) A local law requiring a dog to be kept on a leash or otherwise restrained does not apply to an agricultural work dog at any time while the dog is engaged in agricultural work or a hunting dog at any time while the dog is engaged in hunting wild game.
Credits
(Act 2019-486, § 1.)
§ 3-1-6. Liability of owner, etc., for injuries to livestock, etc., caused by dog while off premises of owner, etc.
If any dog, not being at the time on the premises of the owner or person having charge thereof, shall kill or injure any livestock, the owner or person having such dog in charge shall be liable for damages sustained by the killing or maiming of any livestock and for the full costs of the action.
(Code 1907, § 2471; Code 1923, § 5679; Code 1940, T. 3, § 6.)
§ 3-1-7. Refusal to permit guide dog to accompany blind person into place of public accommodation, etc.
No owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent, or employee of any place of public accommodation, amusement or recreation, including, but not limited to, any inn, hotel, restaurant, eating establishment, barbershop, billiard parlor, store, public conveyance, theater, motion-picture house, public educational institution, or elevator shall refuse to permit a guide dog to accompany a blind person entering the place or making use of the accommodations available when the blind person is being led by the guide dog; if the guide dog is wearing a harness; and the blind person presents for inspection credentials issued by an accredited school for training guide dogs or the dog is being trained by a person employed by an accredited school for training guide dogs. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction shall be fined an amount not to exceed fifty dollars ($50).
(Acts 1967, No. 518, p. 1242; Act 99-698, 2nd Sp. Sess., p. 207, § 1.)
§ 3-1-8. Destruction of certain abandoned animals by members, etc., of societies for prevention of cruelty to animals.
Any agent, officer or member of a duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals may lawfully destroy or cause to be destroyed any animal found abandoned and not properly cared for which may appear, in the judgment of two reputable citizens called by him to view the same in his presence, to be superannuated, infirm, glandered, injured or diseased past recovery for any useful purpose.
(Code 1896, § 422; Code 1907, § 2833; Code 1923, § 6074; Code 1940, T. 3, § 7.)
§ 3-1-9. Injury or destruction of dipping vat of another. Repealed by Acts 1977, No. 607, p. 812, § 9901, as amended, effective January 1, 1980.
§ 3-1-10. Wanton, malicious, etc., destruction, injury, etc., of animal or article or commodity of value of another -- Prohibited.
Any person, who unlawfully, wantonly or maliciously kills, disables, disfigures, destroys or injures any animal or article or commodity of value which is the property of another must, on conviction, be fined not less than twice the value of the injury or damage to the owner of the property nor more than $1,000.00 and may also be imprisoned in the county jail, or sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than six months, and so much of the fine as may be necessary to repair the injury or loss shall go to the party injured.
(Code 1852, §§ 186, 191; Code 1867, §§ 3733, 3738; Code 1876, §§ 4408, 4420; Code 1886, § 3869; Code 1896, §§ 5090, 5091; Code 1907, § 6230; Code 1923, § 3212; Code 1940, T. 3, § 9; Acts 1982, No. 82- 626, p. 1180.)
§ 3-1-11. Wanton, malicious, etc., destruction, injury, etc., of animal or article or commodity of value of another -- Proof of trespassing by animal in mitigation or justification of offense; tender of compensation.
Upon the trial, the defendant may prove in mitigation or justification, as the jury may determine, that, at the time of the killing, disabling, disfiguring, destruction or injury, the animal killed, disabled, disfigured, destroyed or injured was trespassing and had within six months previously thereto trespassed upon a growing crop, inclosed by a lawful fence or while such animal was running at large in violation of law. No conviction must be had, if it is shown that, before the commencement of the prosecution, compensation for the injury was made or tendered to the owner.
(Code 1876, § 4411; Code 1886, § 3871; Code 1896, § 5092; Code 1907, § 6231; Code 1923, § 3213; Code 1940, T. 3, § 10.)
§ 3-1-11.1. Killing or disabling livestock; penalty.
(a) Any person, who unlawfully, wantonly, or maliciously kills, disables, disfigures, destroys, or injures the livestock of another while the livestock is on the premises of the owner of the livestock or on the premises of a person having charge thereof shall be guilty of a Class C felony.(b) In addition to being guilty of a Class C felony, any person who unlawfully, wantonly, or maliciously kills, disables, disfigures, destroys, or injures the livestock of another while the livestock is on the premises of the owner of the livestock, or on the premises of a person having charge thereof, shall be liable for damages sustained by the killing, disabling, disfiguring, or destroying of the livestock in an amount equal to double the value thereof.
(c) For purposes of this section, livestock is defined as equine or equidae, cows, swine, goats, and sheep.
(Acts 1993, No. 93-719, p. 1406, §§ 1-3; Act 2004-627, p. 1421, § 1.)
§ 3-1-12. Cruelty to animals. Repealed by Acts 1977, No. 607, p. 812, § 9901, as amended, effective January 1, 1980.
§ 3-1-13. Right of officers, etc., of humane societies to take charge of and care for neglected or abused animals; written notice to owner from whom animal taken; lien for expenses for care and keeping of animal.
Any duly authorized officer or employee of a recognized humane society shall have the right to take charge of any animal which is sick or disabled due to neglect or is being cruelly treated or abused and to provide care for such animal until it is deemed to be in suitable condition to be returned to its owner or to the person from whose custody such animal was taken.
The officer so taking such animal shall at the time of taking the animal give written notice to the owner or person from whose custody it was taken.
The necessary expenses incurred for the care and keeping of the animal after such notice by the humane society shall be a lien thereon and, if the animal is not reclaimed within 10 days from the giving of such notice, the humane society may sell the animal to satisfy such lien. If the humane society determines that the animal cannot be sold, it may cause the animal to be otherwise disposed of.
(Acts 1961, Ex. Sess., No. 84, p. 2001.)
§ 3-1-14. Unlawful or malicious killing, injury, etc., of dog of another. Repealed by Acts 1977, No. 607, p. 812, § 9901, as amended, effective January 1, 1980.
[§ 3-1-15 - § 3-1-27 omitted because unrelated to dogs]
§ 3-1-28. Burial or burning of bodies of dead animals generally; burning of hogs dying from cholera, etc.; failure to burn or bury dead animal, etc.
All owners or custodians of animals which die or are killed in their possession or custody, other than such as are slaughtered for food, within 24 hours shall cause the bodies of such animals to be burned or buried at least two feet below the surface of the ground. Hogs dying from cholera or any other disease whatsoever shall be burned. No such animal shall be burned or buried sufficiently near a residence or residences as to create a nuisance. Any person violating this section, whether by failure to burn or bury an animal dying or being killed in his possession or by causing the same to be burned in such proximity to a dwelling or in such other way as to become a nuisance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, shall be fined not more than $50.00.
(Acts 1919, No. 461, p. 702; Code 1923, § 3223; Code 1940, T. 3, § 60.)
§ 3-1-29. Activities relating to fighting of dogs prohibited; violations; confiscation; procedures for disposition of animals; bond for the care of seized dog; forfeiture.
(a) It shall be a Class C felony for any person to do any of the following:
(1) To own, possess, keep, or train any dog with the intent that such dog shall be engaged in an exhibition of fighting with another dog.
(2) For amusement or gain, to cause any dog to fight with another dog, or cause any dogs to injure each other.
(3) To permit any act in violation of subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection.
(b) It shall be a Class C felony for any person to be knowingly present, as a spectator, at any place, building, or tenement where preparations are being made for an exhibition of the fighting of dogs, with the intent to be present at such preparations, or to be knowingly present at such exhibition or to knowingly aid or abet another in such exhibition.
(c) Any dog used to fight other dogs in violation of subsection (a) of this section shall be confiscated as contraband by the sheriff or other law enforcement officers and shall not be returned to the owner, trainer, or possessor of the dog. The court shall award the animals to the humane society or other agency handling stray animals. At its discretion, the humane society or other agency handling stray animals shall humanely dispatch or dispose of any confiscated dog.
(d) Any dog confiscated pursuant to subsection (c) by the sheriff or other law enforcement officers shall be taken to the local humane society or other animal welfare agency.
(e) An appointed veterinarian or officer of the humane society or other animal welfare agency may upon delivery or at any time thereafter destroy the animal that is in his or her opinion injured, diseased past recovery, or whose continued existence is inhumane and destruction is necessary to relieve pain or suffering.
(f) After confiscation the humane society or other animal welfare agency may make application to the circuit court for a hearing to determine whether any animal seized pursuant to subsection (c) shall be humanely destroyed due to disease, injury or lack of any useful purpose because of training or viciousness. The court shall set a hearing date not more than 30 days from the filing of the application and shall give notice of the same to the owners of the animals. Upon a finding by the court that the seized animals are diseased, injured, or lack any useful purpose due to training or viciousness, it shall be within the authority of the humane society or other animal welfare agency to humanely destroy such animal. Any animal found by the court not to be diseased, injured, or lacking any useful purpose due to training or viciousness shall be delivered to a court-approved private veterinarian or a private housing facility under the supervision of a veterinarian. Expenses incurred in connection with the housing, care, or upkeep of the dogs by any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity shall be taxed against the owner.
(g) After confiscation, any entity holding a dog confiscated pursuant to this section may make application to the circuit court for issuance of an order requiring the owner or keeper of the dog to post a bond or deposit funds with the clerk of the court to cover the reasonable costs of the seizure, care, keeping, and the possible disposal of the dog. Reasonable costs shall include, but not be limited to, transportation, food, shelter, and care, including veterinary care. The bond or deposited funds shall be ordered posted in 30-day increments until such time as the case that was the cause of the dog being confiscated is resolved. The court shall set a hearing date no more than 10 days from filing of the application and shall give notice of the same to the owner or keeper of the dog.
(1) If, within 72 hours of the conclusion of the hearing, the owner or keeper fails to post the bond or deposit funds with the clerk of the court as ordered by the court, then the dog shall be forfeited by operation of law.
(2) If the owner or keeper presents sufficient evidence for the judge presiding over the hearing to determine that the owner or keeper is indigent, the owner or keeper may be relieved of the requirement to post a bond or deposit funds with the clerk of the court and may be relieved of the forfeiture provision under subdivision (1).
(3) The owner or keeper may choose at any time to surrender the dog to the local animal shelter or other animal housing facility holding the dog. The surrender shall not be considered a presumption of guilt.
(4) At the end of the time for which expenses are covered by the bond or deposit of funds, if the owner or keeper fails to post a new bond or deposit new funds with the clerk of the court, which must be received before the expiration date of the previous bond or deposit of funds, then the dog shall be forfeited by operation of law. The court may correct, alter, or otherwise adjust the bond or funds to be deposited upon a motion made before the expiration date of the previous bond or deposit of funds. No person may file more than one motion seeking an adjustment to the bond or funds to be deposited for each six-month period for which the dog is held under this section.
(5) The entity holding the dog confiscated pursuant to this section shall be entitled to draw on any bond posted or funds deposited to cover the actual costs incurred in the seizure, care, keeping, and the possible disposal of the dog.
(6) Upon resolution of any criminal charges brought against the owner or keeper of the dog confiscated pursuant to this section, the owner or keeper shall be refunded the amount remaining on any bond posted or funds deposited in accordance with this section not expended for the seizure, care, keeping, or disposal of the dog.
(h) If any dog owner is convicted under subsection (a) or (b), the animal or animals shall be awarded to the local humane society or other animal welfare agency.
(i) At any time, if a dog is confiscated pursuant to this section, the state or entity holding the dog may file a petition with the circuit court seeking civil forfeiture of the seized dog.
(1) As part of this petition, the state or entity holding the dog may seek an extension of any bond ordered by the judge under subsection (g), pending resolution of the civil forfeiture petition filed pursuant to this subsection. The bond extension shall be considered in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsection (g). Upon resolution of a civil forfeiture petition filed under this subsection, the owner or keeper shall be refunded the amount remaining on any bond posted or funds deposited in accordance with this subsection not expended for the seizure, care, keeping, or disposal of the dog.
(2) The court shall set a hearing date no more than 20 days from the filing of the petition for civil forfeiture and shall give notice of the hearing to the owner or keeper of the dog.
(3) If the state meets its burden at the forfeiture hearing, the judge shall order the owner or keeper to forfeit ownership of the dog.
(4) If the state fails to meet its burden at this forfeiture hearing, the judge shall order the dog immediately returned to the owner or keeper.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1982, No. 82-461, p. 739; Acts 1984, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 84-796, p. 206; Act 2011-542, § 1.)
TITLE 3. ANIMALS. CHAPTER 6. LIABILITY OF OWNERS OF DOGS BITING OR INJURING PERSONS.
§ 3-6-1. Liability of owner of dog for injuries to person bitten or injured while upon property owned or controlled by owner, etc.
If any dog shall, without provocation, bite or injure any person who is at the time at a place where he or she has a legal right to be, the owner of such dog shall be liable in damages to the person so bitten or injured, but such liability shall arise only when the person so bitten or injured is upon property owned or controlled by the owner of such dog at the time such bite or injury occurs or when such person has been immediately prior to such time on such property and has been pursued therefrom by such dog.
(Acts 1953, No. 320, p. 379, § 1.)
§ 3-6-2. When person deemed lawfully on property of owner of dog.
For the purpose of this chapter a person shall be considered to be lawfully upon the private property of the owner of such dog when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws of the United States or the postal laws and regulations of the United States, when reading meters, when delivering milk, when making repairs to any public utility or service upon said premises or when on such property upon the invitation, either expressed or implied, of the owner or lessee of such property.
(Acts 1953, No. 320, p. 379, § 3.)
§ 3-6-3. Mitigation of damages.
The owner of such dog shall, however, be entitled to plead and prove in mitigation of damages that he had no knowledge of any circumstances indicating such dog to be or to have been vicious or dangerous or mischievous, and, if he does so, he shall be liable only to the extent of the actual expenses incurred by the person so bitten or injured as a result of the bite or injury.
(Acts 1953, No. 320, p. 379, § 2.)
§ 3-6-4. Construction of chapter.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as diminishing any right or liability for injury by dog bites now existing under the laws of this state.
(Acts 1953, No. 320, p. 379, § 4.)
Chapter 6A. Control of Dangerous Dogs.
This chapter is known and may be cited as Emily’s Law.
Credits
(Act 2018-182, § 1.)
§ 3-6A-2. Legislative findings.
The Legislature finds that certain dogs are an increasingly serious and widespread threat to the safety and welfare of citizens of this state by virtue of their unjustified attacks on and associated injury to individuals; that these attacks are in part attributable to the failure of owners to confine and properly train and control these dogs; that existing laws inadequately address this problem; and that it is therefore appropriate and necessary to impose a uniform set of state requirements on the owners of dangerous dogs.
Credits
(Act 2018-182, § 2.)
For the purposes of this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:
(1) Animal control officer. Any person employed by a county or municipality who performs animal control functions or any person who performs animal control functions who is employed by an entity under agreement or contract with a county or municipality to perform animal control functions or to enforce this chapter.
(2) Attack. Aggressive physical contact by a dog.
(3) Bitten. Seized with the teeth so that the skin of the person seized has been gripped, or has been wounded or pierced, resulting in physical injury.
(4) Dangerous dog. A dog, regardless of its breed, that has bitten, attacked, or caused physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to a person without justification, except a dog that is a police animal as defined by Section 13A-11-260, used by law enforcement officials for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
(5) Dog. All members of the canine family including dog hybrids.
(6) Impounded. Taken into the custody of law enforcement, the county pound, or an animal control authority or provider of animal control services to the municipality or county where the dangerous dog is found.
(7) Owner. A person, firm, corporation, or organization having a right of property in a dog, or who keeps or harbors a dog, or who has a dog in his or her care or acts as the custodian of a dog, or who permits a dog to remain on or about any premises occupied by him or her.
(8) Physical injury. An injury as defined in Section 13A-1-2(12).
(9) Proper enclosure of a dangerous dog. An enclosure for the confinement of a dog that has been declared dangerous that is suitable to prevent the entry of the general public and that does all of the following:
a. Is capable of being locked with a key or combination lock when the dog is within the structure.
b. Has secure sides and a secure top attached at all sides. All four sides of the fence or pen must be sunk at least two feet into the ground or the fence or pen must be built over a concrete pad to prevent the dog from digging out.
c. Provides adequate ventilation and protection from the elements.
d. Exhibits a sign conspicuously posted upon the pen or the structure containing the following: “Dangerous Dog--No Trespassing.”
e. The enclosure shall be constructed to allow the dog to stand normally and without restriction and shall be not less than four times the length of the dog and two times the width of the dog.
f. The enclosure shall be locked at all times while the dog is inside the enclosure.
(10) Serious physical injury. An injury as defined in Section 13A-1-2.
Credits
(Act 2018-182, § 3.)
§ 3-6A-4. Sworn statement; dangerous dog investigation; hearing; procedures.
(a)(1) When a person claims that a dog is dangerous, the person shall make a sworn statement before a city magistrate or sheriff setting forth the name of the dog owner, if known, the location where the dog is being kept in the city or county, and the reason he or she believes the dog to be dangerous.
(2) The sworn statement shall be delivered to an animal control officer who shall complete a dangerous dog investigation. When the sworn statement claims that a dog has caused serious physical injury or death to a person, the duties of the animal control officer, including, but not limited to, the dangerous dog investigation, shall be carried out by a law enforcement officer.
(b) An animal control officer may initiate a dangerous dog investigation in cases where a complaint has been made pursuant to subsection (a) and a person has been bitten, received physical injury or serious physical injury, or has died.
(c)(1) In the event a dangerous dog investigation leads an animal control officer to believe the allegation is founded, all of the following shall occur:
a. The animal control officer shall file a summons for the owner of the dog, if known, with the municipal court or district court.
b. The dog in question shall be impounded at the county pound as described in Section 3-7A-7, or the county or municipality may enter into an agreement with an animal shelter or licensed veterinarian to impound the dog; provided, however, the owner of the dog shall be provided the opportunity to choose a veterinarian of his or her choosing to impound the dog in lieu of the county pound or animal shelter. If the dog is impounded with a veterinarian chosen by the owner of the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable for paying to the veterinarian the cost and expenses incurred in impounding, feeding, and providing veterinary care or treatment for the dog. If the county or municipality impounds the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable to the county or municipality for the costs and expenses incurred in impounding, feeding, and providing veterinary care or treatment for the dog.
c. The animal control officer shall send a copy of the investigation report to the county attorney, municipal attorney, or municipal prosecutor.
(2) In lieu of the investigation, the owner of the alleged dangerous dog may consent to the dog being humanely euthanized.
(d) In the event the dangerous dog investigation leads the animal control officer to believe the allegation is unfounded, the animal control officer shall advise the complainant of his or her findings and the animal control officer shall submit the results of the investigation to his or her supervisor.
(e) A copy of all investigations made pursuant to this section shall be kept on file in the animal control office or sheriff's office.
(f) The county attorney, municipal attorney, or municipal prosecutor may file a petition in the district court or municipal court to declare dangerous the dog that caused physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to a person in the jurisdiction of the county or municipality. The owner of the dog, if known, shall be served with a copy of the petition.
(g) A dog that is the subject of a dangerous dog investigation may not be relocated and ownership may not be transferred pending the outcome of the investigation and hearing to determine whether to declare the dog to be dangerous.
(h) The court hearing shall be held as soon as practicable. At the hearing, the county attorney, municipal attorney, or municipal prosecutor shall present evidence that the dog is dangerous. To declare the dog dangerous, the court shall find by reasonable satisfaction that the dog bit, attacked, or caused physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to a person without justification.
(1) If the court determines that the dog is dangerous and has caused serious physical injury or death to a person, the court shall order the dog to be humanely euthanized by a licensed veterinarian or an authorized animal control official.
(2) If the court determines that the dog is dangerous, but has not caused serious physical injury or death to a person, the court shall determine whether the dog has a propensity to cause future serious physical injury or death. If the court determines by reasonable satisfaction that the dog has such a propensity, the court may order the dog to be humanely euthanized by a licensed veterinarian or an authorized animal control officer or the court may order the dog be returned to its owner pursuant to all of the following conditions:
a. The dog shall be held in impound until the owner complies with all orders of the court, but if the owner fails to comply with all orders of the court within 30 days of the court's order, the dog shall be humanely euthanized.
b. The dangerous dog shall be microchipped.
c. The owner of the dangerous dog shall provide a copy of the certificate of the current rabies vaccination of the dog.
d. The dangerous dog shall be spayed or neutered.
e. The owner of the dangerous dog shall be required to pay all expenses involved with the investigation, pickup, and impoundment, and any court costs or fees related to the hearing to determine whether the dog is dangerous.
f. The owner of the dangerous dog shall be required to pay an annual dangerous dog registration fee of one hundred dollars ($100) to the county or municipality for a dog deemed dangerous by a court or pay a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) to the county or municipality for non-registration within two weeks.
g.1. The owner shall be required to obtain a surety bond of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and shall provide proof to the court or animal control office.
2. The surety bond required by subparagraph 1. shall provide coverage for dog bites, injuries, or death caused by the dog.
3. The owner shall provide proof of the surety bond each time the annual dangerous dog registration fee is paid.
h. The owner of the dangerous dog shall provide proof to the court that he or she has constructed a proper enclosure for a dangerous dog pursuant to Section 3-6A-3.
(i) The pleading and practice in all cases to petition the court to declare a dog to be dangerous under this section shall be in accordance with the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure and rules of the courts governing municipal courts in this state unless otherwise specified by this chapter. Any judicial determination in municipal court or district court that a dog is dangerous may be appealed to the circuit court pursuant to the requirements of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure and the order of the circuit court shall be final.
(j) It shall be presumed that a dog is not a dangerous dog pursuant to this chapter if the dog was on property owned by the owner of the dog when the event subject to a claim under this chapter occurred or if the victim was trespassing on any property when the event subject to a claim under this chapter occurred.
Credits
(Act 2018-182, § 4.)
(a) If a dog that has previously been declared by a court to be dangerous, when unjustified, attacks and causes serious physical injury or death to a person, the owner of the dog shall be guilty of a Class B felony.
(b) If a dog that has not been declared by a court to be dangerous, when unjustified, attacks and causes serious physical injury or death to a person, and the owner of the dog had prior knowledge of the dangerous propensities of the dog, yet demonstrated a reckless disregard of the propensities under the circumstances, the owner of the dog shall be guilty of a Class C felony.
(c) If a dog that has previously been declared by a court to be dangerous, when unjustified, attacks and causes physical injury to a person, the owner of the dog shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) If a dog that has not been declared by a court to be dangerous, when unjustified, attacks and causes physical injury to a person, and the owner of the dog had prior knowledge of the dangerous propensities of the dog, yet demonstrated a reckless disregard of the propensities under the circumstances, the owner of the dog shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
(e) In addition to any fines imposed by the court, a person guilty of violating subsection (a), (b), (c), or (d) shall pay all expenses, including, but not limited to, shelter, food, veterinary expenses for boarding, and veterinary expenses necessitated by impoundment of the dog, medical expenses incurred by a victim from an attack by a dangerous dog, and other expenses required for the destruction of the dog.
(f)(1) When a dog declared to be dangerous is outside and not contained in the proper enclosure of a dangerous dog pursuant to Section 3-6A-3, the owner of the dangerous dog shall be present and shall restrain the dangerous dog with a secure collar and leash.
(2) An owner of a dog declared to be dangerous who violates subdivision (1) shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor, except that a second or subsequent adjudication or conviction is a Class B misdemeanor.
(g) An owner of a dog that is the subject of a dangerous dog investigation who refuses to surrender the dog to an animal control officer or law enforcement officer, upon the request of the animal control officer or law enforcement officer, shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
(h) Any person who knowingly makes a false report to an animal control officer or law enforcement officer that a dog is dangerous is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
Credits
(Act 2018-182, § 5.)
§ 3-6A-6. Construction with other laws; penalties.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to repeal other criminal laws. Whenever conduct prescribed by this chapter is also prescribed by any other provision of law, the provision which carries the more serious penalty shall be applied.
Credits
(Act 2018-182, § 6.)
§ 3-6A-7. Construction and application of chapter.
(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to restrict or negate the requirements of the rabies control law contained in Sections 3-7A-1 to 3-7A-15, inclusive.
(b) Nothing in this chapter is designed to abrogate any civil remedies available under statutory or common law.
(c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to restrict the power of any county or municipality to adopt and enforce ordinances or regulations that comply with at least the minimum applicable standards set forth in this chapter.
(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require any county or municipality to employ or make available an animal control officer.
Credits
(Act 2018-182, § 7.)
§ 3-6A-8. Duties of animal control officer.
If the appropriate jurisdiction does not employ an animal control officer, the duties of this chapter shall be carried out by a law enforcement officer.
Credits
(Act 2018-182, § 8.)
TITLE 3. ANIMALS. CHAPTER 7A. RABIES.
As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings respectively ascribed to them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) Canine corps dogs. Those members of the canine family maintained by governmental agencies for exclusive use in official duties assigned to those agencies. Seeing eye dogs shall be included within the meaning of this definition.
(2) Cat. All members of the domesticated feline (Felis catus) family.
(3) Dog. All members of the domesticated canine (Canis familiaris) family.
(4) Ferret. All members of the ferret (Mustela putorius furo) family.
(5) Has been exposed. Suspected or confirmed contact of saliva with a break or abrasion of the skin or with any mucous membrane, as determined by the health officer or medical or law enforcement personnel.
(6) Health officer. The State Health Officer or any county health officer as defined in Section 22-3-2, or his or her designee.
(7) Immunization against rabies. The injection, in a manner approved by the State Health Officer and the State Veterinarian, of rabies vaccine approved by the State Health Officer and the State Veterinarian. The administration of rabies vaccine to species other than those for which reliable immunization data is available shall be a violation of this chapter.
(8) Impounding officer. An agent of a county or municipality vested with impounding authority for animals covered under this chapter.
(9) Owner. Any person having a right of property in a dog, cat, ferret, or other animal, or who keeps or harbors the animal, or who has it in his or her care, or acts as its custodian, or who permits the animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by him or her.
(10) Person. Individuals, firms, partnerships, and associations.
(11) Quarantine for rabies observation. Confinement under the direct care, custody, control, and supervision of a licensed veterinarian for a period of 10 days subsequent to the date of the exposure, or as otherwise directed by the appropriate health officer.
(12) Rabies officer. A licensed veterinarian as defined in Section 34-29-61, duly appointed by the county board of health and approved by the State Health Officer and State Veterinarian.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 1; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
§ 3-7A-2. Dogs and cats to be immunized; certificate; validity; to whom sale, etc., of vaccine may be made.
(a) Every owner of a dog, cat, or ferret required to be immunized for rabies as defined in this chapter, shall cause the animal to be immunized by the rabies officer, his or her authorized representative, or any duly licensed veterinarian, when the animal reaches three months of age and subsequently in accordance with the intervals specified in the vaccine's license. Notwithstanding the above, the State Board of Health may establish by rule vaccine intervals or specific vaccines, or both, to be used in public rabies vaccination clinics, based on considerations such as county specific prevalence of animal rabies or risk of animal rabies and the vaccination rates of dogs, cats, and ferrets in a county. Evidence of immunization shall consist of a printed certificate furnished by the Alabama Department of Public Health, upon which shall be legibly inscribed: A description of the animal; its age, color, sex, breed, and tattoo identification, if any; the name and address of the owner; the lot number and type of vaccine used (modified live virus, inactivated virus); the name of the manufacturer, the amount of vaccine injected, and the date after which the animal is no longer considered vaccinated; and a serially numbered tag bearing the same number and year as that of the certificate. The certificate shall be dated and signed by the person authorized to administer the vaccine. Certificates not complying with the provisions of this section, or certificates issued by those persons unauthorized to administer rabies vaccine, shall not be valid. In lieu of printed certificates, licensed veterinarians may elect to utilize electronically generated and maintained certificates if the certificates contain substantially the same information as required above. A signed paper copy of the certificate prescribed herein shall be delivered to the owner of the animal immunized. A paper copy or electronic copy or evidence thereof shall be maintained by the licensed veterinarian for a period of one year past the expiration date of a certificate. An additional paper copy or electronic copy or listing shall be provided to the local rabies enforcement authority upon request by the authority and in the manner as so requested.
(b) It shall be unlawful and in violation of the provisions of this chapter for any person to import, receive, sell, offer for sale, barter, or exchange animal rabies vaccine, other than antirabies vaccine intended for human use, to anyone except a duly licensed veterinarian.
(c)
(1) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, the State Board of Health by rule may establish procedures and qualifications for an exemption from the requirement for a vaccination for an animal if a rabies vaccination would be injurious to the animal's health.
(2) An animal exempted under subdivision (1) shall be considered unvaccinated by the State Board of Health in the event of the animal's exposure to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 2; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
§ 3-7A-3. Fee for immunization.
At public rabies clinics, the rabies officer may charge an immunization fee established by a committee consisting of the State Health Officer, the State Veterinarian, and the president of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, and approved by the State Board of Health prior to the first day of January each year. The committee shall consider all cost factors in administering the vaccine as the economy dictates, including but not limited to the current prices of vaccines.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 3; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
Coincident with the issuance of the certificate of immunization, the rabies officer, his authorized representative, or any duly licensed veterinarian, who provided the certificate shall furnish a serially numbered tag bearing the same number and year as that of the certificate, which tag shall at all times be attached to a collar or harness worn by the dog or cat for which the certificate and tag have been issued.
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 4.)
§ 3-7A-5. Replacement of certificate and tag.
In the event a tag or certificate is lost after it has been legally issued, every replacement thereof shall be upon such terms as may be agreed upon with the rabies officer or veterinarian by whom the animal has been immunized. In that instance, a new certificate marked “duplicate” may be issued and distributed according to Section 3-7A-2.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 5; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
§ 3-7A-6. Penalty for dog or cat without tag or certificate.
The owner of any dog or cat found not wearing the evidence of current immunization as provided herein or for which no certificate of current immunization can be produced, and which is apprehended by an officer or other person charged with the enforcement of this chapter, shall forthwith be subject to a penalty to be imposed by the rabies officer not to exceed an amount equal to twice the state approved charge for immunization, in addition to the fee heretofore prescribed for immunization. When collected, the said penalty shall accrue to the rabies officer or his agent, except in the case of a rabies officer employed full- time on salary, in which case the penalty shall accrue to the employing agency or agencies.
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 6.)
§ 3-7A-7. Maintenance of pound; notice of impoundment; adoption of animals.
Each county in the state shall provide a suitable county pound and impounding officer for the impoundment of dogs, cats, and ferrets found running at large in violation of the provisions of this chapter. Every municipality with a population over 5,000 in which the county pound is not located shall maintain a suitable pound or contribute their pro rata share to the staffing and upkeep of the county pound. If the owner of an impounded animal is known, the owner shall be given direct notice of the impoundment.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 7; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
§ 3-7A-8. Destruction of impounded dogs and cats; when authorized; redemption by owner; sale of impounded animals.
All dogs, cats, and ferrets which have been impounded in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, after notice is given to the owner as provided in Section 3-7A-7, may be humanely destroyed and disposed of when not redeemed by the owner within seven days. In case the owner of an impounded animal desires to redeem the animal, he or she may do so on the following condition: He or she shall pay for the immunization of the animal and a penalty equal to the minimum fine established in Section 3-7A-6 if a certificate of current immunization cannot be produced, and for the board of the animal for the period for which it was impounded. The amount paid for the board of the animal shall accrue to the credit of the city or county, depending upon the jurisdiction of the pound in which the animal was confined. At his or her discretion, the impounding officer may provide for adoption of any animal not redeemed or claimed or otherwise disposed of, to any person desiring the animal, if the person complies with all the provisions of this chapter.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 8; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
§ 3-7A-9. Quarantine of dog or cat which bites human being; destruction of animal and examination of head; certain acts of or omissions by owner unlawful; delivery of quarantine instructions to owner; report of results; canine corps and seeing eye dogs.
(a) Whenever the rabies officer or the health officer receives information that a human being has been bitten or exposed by a dog, cat, or ferret required by this chapter to be immunized against rabies, the officer or his or her authorized agent shall cause the dog, cat, or ferret to be placed in quarantine under the direct supervision of a duly licensed veterinarian for rabies observation as prescribed in Section 3-7A-1. It shall be unlawful for any person having knowledge that a human being has been bitten or exposed by a dog, cat, or ferret to fail to notify one or more of the aforementioned officers. Vaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets may be authorized to be quarantined in the home of the owner of the animal by the appropriate health officer.
(b) When a dog, cat, or ferret has no owner as determined by the rabies officer or the health officer after reasonable investigation, or if the owner of a dog, cat, or ferret agrees in writing, or if ordered by the health officer, the animal shall be humanely destroyed immediately after the exposure and the head shall be submitted for rabies examination to the state health department laboratory.
(c) The period of quarantine for animals other than domesticated dogs, cats, and ferrets which have bitten or exposed a human being shall be determined by the Alabama Department of Public Health upon consultation with the U.S. Public Health Service. If reliable epidemiologic data is lacking for an animal species regarding duration of rabies virus secretion from the salivary glands, the animals shall be humanely destroyed and the head submitted for rabies examination to the state health department laboratory.
(d) It shall be a violation of this chapter for the owner of such an animal to refuse to comply with the lawful order of the health officer in any particular case. It is unlawful for the owner to sell, give away, transfer to another location, or otherwise dispose of any animal that is known to have bitten or exposed a human being until it is released from quarantine by the rabies officer, duly licensed veterinarian, or by the appropriate health officer.
(e) Instructions for the quarantine of the offending animal shall be delivered in person or by telephone or facsimile to the owner by the health officer or his or her authorized agent. If the instructions cannot be delivered in such a manner, they shall be mailed by regular mail, postage prepaid and addressed to the owner of the animal. The affidavit or testimony of the health officer or his or her authorized agent, who delivers or mails the instructions, shall be prima facie evidence of the receipt of such instructions by the owner of the animal. Any expenses incurred in the quarantine of the offending animal under this section and Section 3-7A-8 shall be borne by the owner.
(f) The veterinarian under whose care the offending animal has been committed for quarantine shall promptly report the results of his or her observation of the animal to the attending physician of the human being bitten or exposed and the appropriate health officer.
(g) Canine corps dogs and seeing eye dogs shall be exempt from the quarantine period if the exposure occurs in the line of duty and evidence of proper immunization against rabies is presented, but shall be examined immediately at the end of 10 days by a licensed veterinarian, who shall report the results of his or her examination to the appropriate health officer as previously authorized.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 9; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
§ 3-7A-10. Destruction of domesticated species exposed to rabid animal; quarantine as option on recommendation of Department of Public Health.
Those domesticated species, for which rabies vaccine is recognized and recommended, upon exposure or potential exposure to a known rabid animal, shall be humanely destroyed or slaughtered immediately. Provided, however, the owner has the option of quarantining the animal or animals based on the recommendations of the Alabama Department of Public Health upon consultation with the U.S. Public Health Service.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 10; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
§ 3-7A-11. County rabies officer; application; appointment; term; powers and duties; authority of county board of health.
(a) The county board of health shall nominate annually one duly licensed veterinarian from each county within the state for the position of rabies officer. Applications for this position may be received from any duly licensed veterinarian residing within the county, or in the event that no applications are received, from the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association. Applications shall be provided to the chair of each county board of health during the month of November. The county board of health, not later than January 31 of the appointing year, shall select and appoint a nominee, subject to the approval of the State Health Officer and the State Veterinarian. The appointee's term of office shall expire on December 31 of the year of appointment; provided, however, that he or she shall be eligible for reappointment. The rabies officer may be removed from office, for cause, by the county board of health or the State Health Officer.
(b) Appointments not made within the prescribed time limits specified in this section shall become the joint prerogative of the State Health Officer and the State Veterinarian after due consultation with the appropriate health officer.
(c) For the purpose of providing proper enforcement of this chapter, the county board of health is hereby invested with general supervisory and administrative authority for the implementation of this chapter. It shall be the duty of the rabies officer to immunize for rabies all dogs, cats, and ferrets covered under this chapter and he or she may employ as many licensed veterinarians to serve as deputies to aid him or her as he or she may desire. The rabies officer and his or her deputies in each county are clothed with limited police powers to the extent that they may issue citations for violations of this chapter as an agent of the county board of health, and shall not be subject to the limitations of Section 36-21-50. The sheriff and his or her deputies in each county and the police officers in each incorporated municipality shall be aides, and are hereby instructed to cooperate with the rabies officer in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. The compensation of the rabies officer and his or her deputies shall be limited to the fees collected from enforcement of this chapter.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 11; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
§ 3-7A-12. Penalty for violations.
Except as provided for in Section 3-7A-6, any person violating or aiding or abetting the violation of any provision of this chapter, or counterfeiting or forging any certificate, or making any misrepresentation in regard to any matter prescribed by this chapter or rule promulgated hereunder or except as otherwise provided, or resisting, obstructing, or impeding any authorized officer in enforcing the provisions of this chapter, or refusing to produce for immunization any animal in his or her possession for which rabies vaccine is recognized and recommended, or for failing to report an animal bite, shall be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, and for the purpose of enforcing this chapter, resort may be had to any court of competent jurisdiction.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 12; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
§ 3-7A-13. Placement of area under quarantine; additional measures.
(a) The State Health Officer, upon request of authorized local officials, may place certain areas of the state under a rabies quarantine to prevent the spread of rabies. In extreme situations, the State Health Officer may place the area under quarantine without waiting for local request.
(b) Whenever the State Health Officer or local health authorities are convinced that the situation is conducive to the spread of rabies, additional measures may be imposed as are deemed necessary to prevent the spread of rabies among dogs, cats, and other animals.
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 13.)
§ 3-7A-14. Power of municipalities.
Nothing in this chapter shall be held to limit in any manner the power of any municipality to prohibit dogs, cats, or ferrets from running at large, regardless of rabies immunization status as herein provided; nor shall anything in this chapter be construed, in any manner, to limit the power of any municipality to further control and regulate dogs or cats in such municipality.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 14; Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 1.)
The State Board of Health is authorized to adopt and promulgate rules for the enforcement of this chapter, which rules shall have the force and effect of law.
(Acts 1990, No. 90-530, p. 816, § 15.)
§ 3-7A-16. Relation to Volunteer Service Act.
A licensed veterinarian and his or her assistants, whether compensated by fee or otherwise or not compensated, when assisting the county rabies officer at any officially designated rabies vaccination clinic shall be considered a volunteer for the purpose of Section 6-5-336.
CREDIT(S)
(Act 2009-636, p. 1949, § 2.)
TITLE 3. ANIMALS. CHAPTER 8. RABIES VACCINE.
§ 3-8-1. Rabies vaccine required for any canidae or felidae; applicability.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, it shall be illegal to own, maintain, sell, or trade any canidae or felidae for which there is no USDA licensed rabies vaccine. Anyone currently owning or maintaining such animal may keep the animal for the length of the animal's life providing the animal is spayed or neutered and is registered with the Department of Agriculture and Industries. This section does not apply to any zoological parks, circuses, colleges, and universities, animal refuges approved by the Department of Agriculture and Industries, county or municipal humane shelters, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, or veterinary clinics.
CREDIT(S)
(Acts 1994, No. 94-322, p. 562, § 8.)
Article 8. Hunting and Trapping of Birds and Game.
§ 9-11-238. Hunting, etc., of wild turkeys with dogs.
Any person who hunts, pursues, captures or kills a wild turkey in this state with the aid of a dog at any time shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00 for each offense.
Credits
(Acts 1935, No. 383, p. 813, § 8; Code 1940, T. 8, § 89.)
TITLE 9. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES. CHAPTER 11. FISH, GAME, AND WILDLIFE. ARTICLE 10. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS.
§ 9-11-305. When dogs permitted in areas; liability of owners of dogs at large in areas.
No dog shall be permitted except on leash within any wildlife management area except in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources, and whoever shall be the owner of any dog at large within any wildlife management area shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Acts 1939, No. 668, p. 1061, § 6; Code 1940, T. 8, § 110(6).)
§ 9-11-306. Impoundment of dogs; redemption or destruction of impounded dogs. - Repealed by Act 2015-70, § 1(12), effective April 21, 2015.
§ 9-11-307. Penalties for violations of provisions of article, etc.
Any person violating this article or any rule adopted by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources under the authority of this article shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor, punishable as provided by law, except that the minimum fine shall not be less than one hundred dollars ($100).
Credits
(Acts 1939, No. 668, p. 1061, § 8; Code 1940, T. 8, § 110(8); Act 2019-369, § 1.)
Title 45. Local Laws. Chapter 37A. Jefferson County Municipalities. Article 5. Birmingham. Part 4. Health and Environment.
§ 45-37A-53.01. Keeping of dogs in certain vacant lots.
(a) In any city with a population of 300,000 inhabitants or more, according to the 1970 or any subsequent federal decennial census, no person shall put any dog or dogs in a vacant lot which is not adjacent or contiguous to his or her residence.
(b) This section shall not apply to any person who is a licensed veterinarian operating his or her business in an area zoned therefor; nor shall this section apply to any person using dogs to guard his or her business.
(c) The county health department is authorized to promulgate and enforce any reasonable rules and regulations necessary to implement this section. Notice of such rules and regulations shall be given by publication 30 days before the effective date.
Credits
(Act 80-384, p. 542, §§ 1-3.)