PETITION TARGET: House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Chair Danny Crawford
An emaciated dog was found chained to a car late last year in Ider, Alabama. The previous month, six dogs were discovered chained and dead in the scorching heat in Northport, Alabama. A few months before that, two adult dogs were reportedly found chained without water while their puppies lay dead or dying in a tiny kennel nearby in Pinckard, Alabama.
Now a new bill in Alabama, dubbed the “Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act,” could potentially help prevent tragedies like these by banning cruel and unsafe tethering methods.
“I’ve heard from residents from the southern part of the state all the way to the northernmost part, and everywhere in between that have just shared horror stories of dogs being chained up or tethered in horrible conditions,” said Representative Phillip Ensler about sponsoring the bill.
If passed, House Bill 149 would prohibit tethering to stationary objects in most situations and instead require dog guardians to provide a sufficiently sized enclosure — or ensure a suitable trolley system is in place. Heavy chains and choke collars would be forbidden. Additionally, dogs kept outdoors would have to have enough food and fresh water, along with a weather-appropriate shelter free from accumulated waste or debris.
Violators of the proposed legislation would receive a Class B misdemeanor charge.
Dogs chained outside their entire lives are exposed to brutal weather, potential neck injuries due to heavy chains and choke collars, and even attacks from other animals — all while being deprived of exercise, stimulation, and companionship.
It’s time Alabama rejects cruel and dangerous tethering practices and ensures dogs left outside receive the essential protection they deserve.
Sign our petition urging the House Agriculture Forestry Committee Chair to support this critical legislation and help protect outdoor dogs in Alabama.
