An upcoming bill could make it illegal to leave dogs tied outside under certain conditions in Alabama.
State Rep. Phillip Ensler, a Democrat from Montgomery, plans to file this bill during the 2025 legislative session, which begins next week.
If the legislation passes, dog owners who leave their pets outside without adequate shelter, heavy chains and collars, or insufficient access to food and water could face legal consequences.
"You need teeth in it in order for people to abide by something," Ensler said. "The hope is that when we put the bill out there...hopefully of course it gets passed and that it will lead to people changing their behavior."
Ensler said the bill focuses primarily on domesticated pets rather than working or farm dogs. He has spoken to people from across the state regarding the issue.
"I've heard from people in the most southern part of the state to the most northern and everywhere," Ensler said. "Personally, I've always loved and had a soft spot for dogs and for pets. I grew up with dogs, so there really was no having to convince me of the need."
While the exact details of the bill remain in draft form until its release next week, Kelli Taylor, a representative from the animal activist group Save the Animals, believes such legislation is crucial.
"Doing this will empower Madison County animal control officers to be able to take that extra step and see about animals where they can't now," Taylor said.
Taylor also highlighted that leaving dogs tied in poor conditions can lead to behavioral changes.
"Animals that are often left tethered like that — you've heard of kennel rage before. You know it would be tether rage," Taylor said. "Their personalities would begin to change, and if these animals become loose, they do become a menace to society."
Ensler plans to file the bill next week, and WAAY will provide updates on the progress of this legislation.
