HB315 Summary

• Applies to unincorporated areas of Mobile County and establishes procedures for declaring dogs dangerous or nuisances, with options for humane destruction or return to owner with registration and secure enclosure requirements.

• Dogs declared dangerous or nuisance (but without serious injury to humans) must be registered within 30 days and owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination, microchip/tattoo identification, spaying/neutering, $100,000 insurance or surety bond, and proper enclosure meeting specific structural standards.

• Dog owners who fail to comply with registration or enclosure requirements within 30 days must have their dog humanely euthanized; owners may petition to remove the designation after 18 months if in compliance.

• Misdemeanor penalties for dangerous dog violations: up to $300 for first offense and $600 for subsequent offenses; Class C felony (up to $5,000 fine and 2 years imprisonment) if a previously declared dangerous dog attacks and injures or kills a human.

• Law enforcement may immediately confiscate and remove any dog posing a public safety threat without warrant or due process requirement; repeals Act 2008-127; becomes effective immediately upon passage.