Alabama legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Alabama SB361: Dogs; tethering and confinement requirements provided; persons and activities exempted; criminal penalties for, animal control officer enforcement of, violations established
Status: Signed into law, April 13, 2026
What the bill says
An Act, Relating to dogs; to provide methods for tethering and confining dogs; to provide certain standards of care for dogs kept outside; to exempt certain persons and activities; to provide criminal penalties for violations; and to authorize agents of political subdivisions to inspect violations.
From the enrolled text:
An Act, Relating to dogs; to provide methods for tethering and confining dogs; to provide certain standards of care for dogs kept outside; to exempt certain persons and activities; to provide criminal penalties for violations; and to authorize agents of political subdivisions to inspect violations. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA: Section 1. For purposes of this act, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) ADEQUATE FOOD. Food that is offered in suitable intervals and in sufficient amounts to prevent starvation or significant risk to a dog's health from lack of food. (2) ADEQUATE WATER. Potable water that is offered in suitable intervals and in sufficient amounts to prevent dehydration or significant risk to a dog's health from lack of water. (3) PROPERLY FITTED. When naturally worn by a dog, a collar or harness that: a. Is appropriately sized for the dog based on the dog's measurements and body weight; and b. Does not choke the dog or impede the dog's normal breathing or swallowing. (4) TETHER. A chain, leash, cable, rope, trolley system, or other similar device used to tie or otherwise connect a dog to a stationary object, including a structure, doghouse, pole, or tree. Page doghouse, pole, or tree. SB361 Enrolled Section 2. (a)(1) A person may not tether a dog to a stationary …
Sponsors
- Gudger, Garlan (R, SD-004) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Enacted
- : Signature Requested
- : Delivered to Governor
- : Enrolled
- : Ready to Enroll
- : Gudger motion to Concur In and Adopt House Amendment - Adopted Roll Call 1267
- : Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1280
- : Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1279
- : Faulkner 1st Amendment Offered
- : Ellis motion to Table - Adopted Roll Call 1278
Votes
- Senate Roll Call #1267 (April 8, 2026): 17 yea, 1 nay, passed
- House Roll Call #1280 (April 8, 2026): 69 yea, 23 nay, passed
- House Roll Call #1279 (April 8, 2026): 92 yea, 3 nay, passed
- House Roll Call #1278 (April 8, 2026): 50 yea, 43 nay, passed
- House Roll Call #1277 (April 8, 2026): 46 yea, 53 nay, failed
- House Roll Call #1276 (April 8, 2026): 49 yea, 36 nay, passed
Subjects: Animals
Common questions
- What is SB361?
- SB361 is a bill in the Alabama Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Dogs; tethering and confinement requirements provided; persons and activities exempted; criminal penalties for, animal control officer enforcement of, violations established.
- What does SB361 do?
- In its own words: An Act, Relating to dogs; to provide methods for tethering and confining dogs; to provide certain standards of care for dogs kept outside; to exempt certain persons and activities; to provide criminal penalties for violations; and to authorize agents of political subdivisions to inspect violations.
- What is the status of SB361?
- Signed into law as of April 13, 2026. Latest action: Enacted (April 13, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB361?
- Gudger, Garlan (R, SD-004).
- Where is the official record for SB361?
- On the Alabama Legislature website: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/instrument/2026RS/SB361
Source: official Alabama record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.