HB 551 Summary

• Prohibits tethering dogs to stationary objects or cable run systems between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

• Prohibits tethering in temperatures below 32 degrees unless the dog has access to shelter with dry bedding, and prohibits tethering during winter storm watches/warnings, heat advisories, hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornado warnings.

• Requires tethers to be at least 4 times the dog's body length or 12 feet (whichever is greater), no more than 1/8 of the animal's weight, and prohibits choke, pinch, or prong collars while tethered.

• Requires tethered dogs to have access to food, water, and proper shelter with a roof and sides that protects from elements and allows the dog to enter, turn around, and lie down.

• Exempts hunting dogs during transportation to/from or while on hunting/training trips and allows temporary restraint up to 12 hours for necessary tasks; violations constitute animal cruelty under Section 13A-11-14, Code of Alabama 1975.