Alabama’s Beau’s Law Takes Effect With Outdoor Dog Care Rules

Alabama’s Beau’s Law takes effect October 1, 2026. The enacted SB361 sets standards for tethering, confinement and shelter for dogs kept outdoors.

What the enrolled law requires

Subject to exemptions, stationary tethering must use a trolley system with a properly fitted collar or harness and swivels at both ends. Logging chains, choke collars and pinch collars are prohibited for tethering. Dogs must retain access to food, water and shelter, without dangerous entanglement.

Outdoor shelter must protect against weather, provide shade, have a solid floor and ventilation, and allow standing, turning, lying down and extending limbs. Cold weather bedding is required when necessary. Waste, standing water and debris must not accumulate.

Exceptions and penalties

Section 2 contains exceptions including leash walks, veterinary practices and temporary shelter boarding. Section 4 separately exempts specified working or hunting dogs and reasonable temporary confinement in listed circumstances. These provisions have different scopes; consult the enrolled text for the complete conditions.

Violations begin as Class C misdemeanors, rise to Class B for a second violation and Class A thereafter. The law also requires payment of boarding and veterinary costs. Existing cruelty and neglect laws remain enforceable.

How we reported this: Based on the enrolled legislation rather than the introduced bill. This is a summary; the linked text contains the full definitions, exceptions and enforcement provisions.