Neighborhood Dogs
dog confinement law
On Aug. 13, 2024, the Blount County Commission adopted Alabama’s dogs at large statute. Alabama Code §3-1-5 stipulates that dogs be confined to the owner’s premises or, if off-premises, kept in the owner’s charge. An exception is made for dogs actively engaged in hunting or agricultural work, such as livestock protection.
concerns & conflicts
Concerned about a neighbor's dog? Your first step is to talk to your neighbor. Alabama does hold the dog owner responsible for the dog's actions on the property of others.
If a neighbor's dog damages your belongings or enters your fence and kills your livestock, your legal recourse is to ask the owner for reimbursement per Alabama Code §3-1-1, §3-1-4, or §3-1-6, depending on the circumstances. You must provide photographs or video, such as from a game cam, that show his dog causing the damage.
An uncooperative dog owner will face greater penalties and have all the more incentive to take responsibility for his dog should you file a small claims case, which may entitle you to reimbursement for court costs and twice the damages of harmed livestock, per Alabama Code §3-1-1.
For information, visit Blount County Small Claims and click on “Small Claims FAQ.” The forms mentioned in the FAQ are available from Alabama Administrative Office of Courts' Small Claims section.
harming a dog or cat
Harming a dog or cat without legal cause is a criminal misdemeanor or felony offense per Alabama Code §13A-11-241, §13A-11-14, or §13A-11.14.1, punishable by fines and jail time. Neglecting or abusing an animal, such as by failing to provide food, water, shelter, and needed medical care, or abandoning an animal, is also a criminal violation under these laws. Each animal neglected or abused is an additional criminal charge.