Leaving Your Pet Chained Outside in Alabama: Is It Legal? We are all on the level with our pets, most people care for them and make sure they do not get harmed. People who have pets in Alabama need to understand that different laws and rules govern how people should treat their animals, particularly regarding keeping pets chained outside.
Zoom in on what Alabama law says about this practice in 2024 and what it means for people who own pets.
Current Alabama Laws on Animal Cruelty
Animal cruelty, Alabama Code § 13A-11-241, expresses the state’s laws against cruelty to animals. In these laws, it states that it is cruel to neglect or abandon an animal’s basic needs including feeding, giving water, and shelter.
In Alabama, chaining or tethering of a pet outdoors is not illegal; however, such practices are abusive if the animal is harmed or its basic needs are not provided.
For instance, leaving your pet outside for extended periods of time without proper shelter while the weather is either very cold or very hot may result in a charge of neglect or cruelty.
Also, when using chains or tethers, ensure that it is not too harsh on the animal and does cause undue difficulty for it to move.
Municipal ordinances may differ
Although state law gives us some general rules, local ordinances usually have more specific rules about tethering animals. Many Alabama cities and counties have outlawed tying animals up in a way that may cause them injury.
Some municipalities have outlawed:
- Tethering for long periods of time
- Using heavy chains that could cause injury
- Tethering animals that may not have access to water, shade, and food.
- Leaving pets tethered outdoors during severe weather, such as hurricanes or extreme temperatures.
Animal owners can contact their local government to find out if there are other regulations in their locality.
Dangers of Tethering Pets Outdoors
Leaving a pet tethered outdoors can create various problems that place the animal’s health in jeopardy but can also pose potential legal threats.
Health Risks: You risk getting hurt, dehydrating, suffering from heat stroke or frostbite of your pet depending on the weather for a long time if they are tethered.
Behavior Issues: Generally, animals that are chained will most likely suffer from anxiety, aggression, and other disorders in behavior because they can not move around and socialize with other animals.
Legal Consequences: Tethering in violation of the law can result in fines, confiscation of your pet, and even misdemeanor charges, depending on how egregious your failure to properly provide for your pet may have been.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe
If you must tether your pet, follow these best practices to keep your pet safe and within compliance with the laws of Alabama.
Use a light tether that does not harm or restrict your movement.
See that your pet always has food and water and that he has a safe place to go to.
When it gets bad weather, do not tie down your pet.
Be sure to check often on local laws to see when tethering laws are updated or changed.
Conclusion
In Alabama, tying up a pet outside is not always against the law, provided it is done correctly. The law requires that pets be kept in safe and humane environments.
As laws and rules keep changing, it is essential to know updates to avoid legal trouble, but more importantly, the health of your pet.
