Animal Control & Pounds by County

Alabama Code § 3-7A-7 instructs each county to “provide a suitable county pound and impounding officer,” a requirement that originated in 1939 (if not earlier). The counties that fulfill these requirements are shown in blue below.

There is significant variation in the size, scope, and structuring of impoundment facilities and animal control from county to county — variation which is not reflected on the map. For example, Franklin County is credited as having both a pound and animal control, but actually has only two ACOs who are also the only staff members of the small pound. Adoption is not offered. Animals who are not reclaimed or rescued during the stray hold are driven to Marion County to be destroyed. County residents report that both manpower and facilities are insufficient and loose animals are only rarely impounded — a situation that led to two dog attack deaths in 2022.

Scroll down for details about each county.

The map addresses only county compliance. Municipalities with over 5,000 population are also required to have their own pound or contribute to the county facility.

Scroll down or click a county name for details. B = The County has no shelter; impounded animals are boarded (hence the ‘B’) at a contracted veterinary facility. ½ = Marion and Winston counties share a single shelter. (Population and square mileage data is from Wikipedia.)

Research and notes are by Aubrie Kavanaugh (Autauga through Henry County) and Kristin Yarbrough (Houston through Winston County). If you have any questions, updates, or corrections, please be in touch.

Updates and expansions are continual. We are consolidating information so that each county will eventually have its own reference page covering impoundment facilities and shelters, animal control in the county and in the municipalities, dog confinement requirements, low-cost spay/neuter resources, and county documents. The map above is updated whenever a county establishes an impoundment facility or animal control.

If Your Area Lacks Animal Services

Everyone should have an opportunity to reclaim a lost pet no matter where they live, even if there is no shelter. Good samaritans should be able to help an animal without being required to pay an impoundment fee for an animal they do not own, without being charged with theft of property, and without being told their only choice is to keep the animal.

Shelters that refuse to impound dogs found running at large or that require a fee are promoting abandonment (which is illegal when done by the public) and are failing in their public safety mission.

If your area has no animal control officer and no animal shelter, contact the office of the law enforcement official in charge (i.e., the sheriff or chief of police) to ask how you can get help. You can also speak to your county commissioner or your city or town councilmember so they know what is happening.

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Autauga County

See Animal Services in Autauga County.

Baldwin County

• Contact: Wesley Majors, Baldwin County Animal Shelter Director; (251) 972-6834; April 24, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: managed by the county.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): not asked
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: not asked
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: Yes.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: posted on county website
• How many ACOs does the county employ? Do they work for the commission or the SO: county has ACOs, did not ask who they work for.

Barbour County

See Animal Services in Barbour County.

Bibb County

See Animal Services in Bibb County.

Blount County

See Animal Services in Blount County.

Bullock County

• Contact: Jenny Allen, Director, Bullock County Humane Society; 334-782-1952; May 1, 2025.
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: Bullock County Humane Society contracts with the county and the City of Union Springs (with funding from both).
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: Yes, if age appropriate. If the animals are too young, they will go track the adopters down. It’s a small community and easy to enforce.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: She has heard of it, but just don’t doesn’t have time for it. She keeps numbers and does monthly and annual reports to her board.
  
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: N/A.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. She is animal control for the county.
  
• If outsourced to a nonprofit, do you know how many the nonprofit employs. She has one full time employee and typically has 2 seasonal part time employees. She also uses interns.

Butler County

• Contact: Kay Lightfoot, County Administrator, 334-382-7806; April 24, 2025 and Greenville Shelter Director Christy Sexton; 334-382-7806; April 29, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes, Greenville Animal Shelter.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office. The shelter is operated by the City of Greenville for the city and the county with the county contributing funds.
  
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days.
  
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: animals are spayed/neutered if old enough. If not, adopter signs a contract agreeing to have it done. Of ages is 6 months but can be 3 months if opening at spay neuter clinic they use — Alabama Animal Alliance of Montgomery.
  
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: they send stats to Best Friends Animal Society but she has not heard of the law.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: N/A.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. The City employs 2 ACOs and a jail employee helps them set traps.

Calhoun County

Chambers County

• Contact: Regina Chambers, County Manager, 334-476-2540; April 25, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: County contracts with Chattahoochee Humane Society [Fb].
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): did not ask.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: Yes.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act. Yes.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: Made available upon request.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. ACOs are employed by the municipalities in the county, county does not employ an ACO.

Cherokee County

See Animal Services in Cherokee County.

Chilton County

• Contact: Sylvia Singleton, County Administrator, 205-755-1551, April 29, 2025, and Shelter Director Christina Bollack, 205-287-0502, April 29, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes, Chilton County Animal Shelter.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: The county took over the Humane Society of Chilton County on January 1, 2025. It runs the shelter for the county and the cities in the county including Clanton which contribute funds.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: All animals are spayed, neutered unless they are too young. If too young, they go home with a 30-day sterilization agreement (which is very rare).
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: yes.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: reports are put online.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. The county has 1 ACO who is a deputy. The cities have their own ACOs.

Choctaw County

• Contact: Jessica Hare, County Administrator, 205-459-6956; April 24, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: County has contract with a person who runs a shelter. [Choctaw County Animal Shelter?]
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: Contracted to a private individual.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): did not ask.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: County has paid bills for SN but is not sure if done consistently.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: Has never heard of that.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: N/A
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. There are no ACOs. People can bring people to the shelter if they want.

Clarke County

• Contact: Christy Roberts, County Administrator; 251-275-3507 and Shelter Director Lisa Blackledge, 251-275-1055; May 5, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: The shelter is run by the Clarke County Commission for the benefit of the county and the cities and all cities in the county contribute.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days. If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: Yes.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: Ms. Roberts has never heard of the law. The shelter used to post statistics online but haven’t lately as they are behind on putting paperwork into their database.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: N/A.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. The county has no animal control officer. The cities of Jackson, Grove Hill and Thomasville each have an ACO.

Clay County

• Linda Varner, Clay County Clerk; 256-354-7888; May 5, 2025; Linda Clausen, Clay County Animal Shelter, Inc.; 251-402-6513, May 7, 2025; Ann East, Clay County Animal Shelter, Inc.; May 9, 2025; Clay County Sheriff’s Office, 256-354-2176.
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes, by contract.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: The county contracts with a nonprofit called the Clay County Animal Shelter, Inc. using 20% of the county’s tobacco tax. The county only serves the county and not cities.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): Ms. Clauson is not sure. The shelter is a No Kill facility that keeps all animals until a good home is found.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: Absolutely. If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: No. Ms. Clausen had not heard of the statute. The statute and a form were provided upon Ms. Clausen’s request. If so, are they published online or how are they made available: N/A.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. The City of Ashland does animal control. The Sheriff’s Office does not have an animal control officer.

Cleburne County

• Contact: Lisa Copeland, County Administrator, 256-463-3827; May 1, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: No. A shelter is being built but will be managed by a nonprofit the name of which she does not know.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: N/A.
  
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): N/A.
  
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. No.

Coffee County

• Contact: John Rodgers Morgan III, County Administrator; 334-894-5556; April 25, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes, but doesn’t run it.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: county contracts with City of Elba for sheltering, plans to work with City of Enterprise for joint shelter in future. (Note added by Kristin: the shelter is called Elba Animal Shelter. As of this June 13, 2025 writing, the most recent posting was Mar. 22; a volunteer who had been sharing her pictures of dogs at the facility posted on Mar. 2 that “I was told by the police chief, I am no longer to go on their property to take pictures of the dogs there and posting them. I am causing too much extra work for them with people wanting the dogs but they have been promised to other people.”)
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: no, give voucher.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: the county administrator does not know and the city could not be contacted to determine if a report is prepared.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: N/A.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. Mr. Morgan said the county would not have ACOs even when the county begins working with Enterprise.

Colbert County

See Animal Services in Colbert County.

Conecuh County

• Contact: Jonathan Hicks, Shelter Director, 251-578-2440; April 30, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: The shelter serves the whole county even though the City of Evergreen has its own shelter. He is employed by the county commission.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): the stray hold is 10 days but animals are kept as long as 90 days.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: Adopters sign a contract. About 90% comply and the county commission has chosen not to pursue those who do not comply.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: No. Has never heard of that.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: No.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. There is no animal control in the county.

Coosa County

See Animal Services in Coosa County.

Covington County

• Contact: Karen Sowell, County Administrator; 334-428-2610; May 1, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: No. The cities have shelters but the county does not and the county does not contract with the cities.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: N/A.
  
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): N/A.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. None.

Crenshaw County

• Contact: Dawn Rayborn, County Administrator; 334-335-6568; April 25, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: no.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: N/A.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. None.

Cullman County

• See Animal Services in Cullman County.

Dale County

• Contact: Captain Glenn Peters, City of Ozark Police Department, 334-400-4267, May 1, 2025
  
• Does the county have an animal shelter: The county contracts for sheltering for Dale County
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: The City of Ozark Animal Shelter takes dogs from Dale County through a contract with the county.
  
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days
  
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: no.
  
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: a report is prepared every month.
  
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: requests for the report can be made to him and he forwards to the police chief’s secretary.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. Sheriff’s Office deputies do animal control for the county.

Dallas County

• Contacts: Barbara Harrell, County Administrator, 334-874-2560 and Selma & Dallas County Animal Shelter Director Hatwatha McGhee, 334-327-2888; April 25, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: The City of Selma runs a shelter that serves the city and the county.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: yes.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: yes
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: has information available, when I asked Ms. McGhee if I could request it, she said it would depend on who I am and why I want the information.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. David Johnston handles Animal Control for the county. The city has 2 ACOs.

DeKalb County

• Contact: Dustin Dutton, Cherokee County ACO (trainer for DeKalb County).
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes. Director is Leslie Ledbetter.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: The shelter is managed by the county for the county and for the cities of Rainsville and Fort Payne.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: yes, if old enough. Will fix as young as 2 months. If the animal is not old enough or big enough, the adopter signs an agreement to have it done.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: yes.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: they are posted publicly. (Note from Kristin: On a June 6, 2025 phone call, Dustin said that data is posted on the front door of the shelter.)
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. There is 1 ACO employed by the county commission. Rainsville and Fort Payne both have an animal control officer.

Elmore County

• Contact: Rea Cord, Director, Humane Society of Elmore County, Inc. (334) 567-3377 April 29, 2025
  
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: Run by Humane Society of Elmore County, Inc. for the county and the cities of Wetumpka, Tallassee and Millbrook with funding by county and cities.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: 100%.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: She keeps data but doesn’t prepare a report. She could create a report if asked.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: A report can be requested from Rae Cord.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. The Sheriff’s Office employes 1 ACO and each city has an ACO.
• If outsourced to a nonprofit, do you know how many the nonprofit employs. 13, some are part-time.

Escambia County

• Contact: Escambia County Animal Control and Shelter, 251-867-1346, Director David Cole is ACO and shelter manager.
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: The county runs the shelter and lets cities bring dogs to the shelter.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: No. There is no adoption fee but people sign a contract that they will spay/neuter within 30 days and provide proof.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: a report is prepared and sent to the Sheriff’s Office (it is not clear if it complies with the Census Act).
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: Not known.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. The Sheriff’s Office employs one part-time ACO and Mr. Cole does animal control part-time.

Etowah County

See Animal Services in Etowah County.

Fayette County

• Contact: Nancy Hodges, County Administrator, 205-932-4510 And ACO/Shelter Director Phil Holliman 205-442-5115; April 25, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes. [Fayette County Animal Shelter; Fb]
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: Run by county, provide services for city and city pays the county.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 10 days.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: spay/neuter program with voucher as long as have funds, if not SN before adoption then no adoption fee charged. Program is for any animals in the county and not just shelter animals; trying to help people to keep pet populations low.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: ACO doesn’t know what that is.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: N/A.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. 1 ACO who also runs shelter.

Franklin County

See Animal Services in Franklin County.

Geneva County

• Contact: City of Geneva ACO Officer Kevin Carroll, contacted through City of Geneva Police Department, 334-684-6496; May 6, 2025; contact unsuccessful through Cindy Williams, Chief Administrative Clerk, 334-684-5600 and County Attorney W. Phillip Eldridge
• Does the county have an animal shelter: No. The City of Geneva has an animal shelter that is not used by the county.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: N/A.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): N/A.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: N/A.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: N/A. If so, are they published online or how are they made available: N/A.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. There is 1 ACO for the City of Geneva and none for the county.

Greene County

• Contact: Brenda Burke, County Administrator, 205-372-6908; April 24, 2025.
• Does the county have an animal shelter: No.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: No.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. No.

Hale County

• Contact: Laurie Nevin, Director of Hale County Animal Shelter [shelter design by Rural Studio]; 334-624-8120; April 26, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: Yes, run by a nonprofit with some county money.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: The small shelter is run by Friends of Hale County Animal Shelter with the county contributing 29k a year and some funding from animal aid. The shelter only takes in stray animals. It will take owner surrenders only if the owner dies or ends up in a nursing home. If a dog has to be quarantined for rabies, it goes to Dr. James Payne (the county rabies officer) or Dr. Perry. The county is bordered by Greene and Perry counties which have no shelter and people often call asking for help that cannot be provided.
• How many days are impounded animals held (stray hold): 7 days.
• If yes, are all animals spayed/neutered before adoption: yes, if age appropriate (6 months or older). If too young, given a certificate for free SN and rabies shot.
• If yes, does the shelter prepare reports monthly to comply with the Animal Census Reporting Act: yes, submits it to board of directors.
• If so, are they published online or how are they made available: have to ask for it
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. There are no ACOs per se. If there is a call about an emergency situation, a shelter employee will go out but only if a deputy is present.
  

Henry County

• Contact: Dawn Shirley, County Administrator; (334) 585-3708; April 24, 2025
• Does the county have an animal shelter: No.
• If yes, it is managed by the county, outsourced to a nonprofit or does the county contract with a veterinary office: N/A.
• How many ACOs does the county employ. Do they work for the commission or the SO. None.
  

Houston County

Walter Lewis, Senior Rabies Control Officer for Houston County, stated via tel on Apr. 25, 2025 that Houston County has a contract with Dothan Animal Shelter, which is run directly by the City of Dothan. He believes that the 7-day stray hold is honored, and answered affirmatively that all animals are sterilized prior to adoption. Walter did not know whether the shelter prepares monthly census reports. The County’s AC is called Rabies Control; its two officers are employed by the Commission, Walter said.

Dothan Animal Shelter is operated by the City’s PD, according to the PD website, which also states that the shelter’s “euthanasia rate” was 3% in 2021. The shelter appears to have two pages on Facebook. Photos of the City of Dothan Animal Services include five staff members, including Department Manager Bill Banks. Maps show the nonprofit Wiregrass Humane Society as located next door or on the same property.

Jackson County

See Animal Services in Jackson County.

Jefferson County

See Animal Services in Jefferson County.

Lamar County

Christy Cantrell, Commission payroll, stated via tel on Apr. 25, 2025 that the County has no shelter, no vet contract, and no animal control. She said that cities do have animal control. (The nonprofit Lamar County Humane Society addresses the situation in their FAQ.)

Lauderdale County

See Animal Services in Lauderdale County.

Lawrence County

See Animal Services in Lawrence County.

Lee County

Terrell, ACO at Lee County Animal Control, stated via tel on Apr. 25, 2025 that the County does not have a shelter. Impounded animals are boarded with a contracted vet office, Animal Health Center, Terrell said, and posted on the AHC Facebook page and on the Lee County AC Recovered Pets page. Strays are held for 7 days, Terrell said. He was not sure whether any data is prepared. Lee County Animal Control is structured under the Commission’s Environmental Services department. Terrel said that there are three County ACOs: himself, Chief ACO Lisa Wimberley, and another officer.

On a June 6, 2025 phone call, Cherokee County ACO and statewide trainer Dustin Dutton said that Lisa does prepare a census report every month.

I also spoke with Josh, health manager at the nonprofit CARE Humane Society, since the organization’s website suggested that they are or were a contracted shelter. Josh said that the organization used to hold the County contract, but some years ago the County opted to instead board animals with vet offices (in addition to Animal Health Center, Josh mentioned Opelika Animal Hospital). CARE is currently the contracted shelter for Auburn and Opelika.

Limestone County

See Animal Services in Limestone County.

Lowndes County

County Administrator Jacqueline (Jackie) Thomas at the Commission office, stated via tel on Apr. 25, 2025 that the County has no shelter, no boarding contract, and no AC.

In Jan. 2023, County resident Melissa Peak “delivered a plea to Lowndes County Commissioners at a Jan. 9 meeting, requesting their help for pets in Lowndes County,” according to a Lowndes Signal article.

Macon County

Tracey Moon, human resources & payroll director at the Commission, (334-727-5120 x1), said on an Apr. 30, 2025 phone call that although there is a (nonprofit) shelter in the County [Macon County Humane Society (Fb)], the County does not fund it. As to ACOs, Tracey said Tuskegee City has ACO(s); Macon County does not, though they do have a Compliance Office which lists AC among their many responsibilities.

I then contacted Josetta Stewart, office manager at the Compliance Office (334-724-2554), to determine whether the Compliance Office should be considered AC. On May 5, Josetta said there is no AC staff, just herself and Jabari Ware in the Compliance Office. The Compliance Office webpage lists AC among many duties. Josetta said their primary AC responsibility is to collect loose dogs, a task on which building and grounds department staff assist. Impounded dogs are taken to the HS if space is available or to Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Shorter, where Josetta said they are held for “a couple days,” and some owners reclaim. I asked whether the Compliance Office handles cruelty investigations, and Josetta said they would turn over the case to the SO.

Other attempts: I left a vm for County Administrator Joshua Anthony at the Commission office on Apr. 25, 2025; on follow-up calls on Apr. 28 and Apr. 30, there was no answer. There was no answer on an Apr. 30 call to ask about the AC duties of the Compliance Office, and again the phone only rang on May 1, so I emailed the Compliance Office. I also was curious what Macon County HS would say about their arrangement with the County; the only contact option shown for them is a chat through their website, so I sent a message on May 6. On May 7, their Fb was functioning (after having been offline) so I sent a message through it.

Madison County

See Animal Services in Madison County.

Marengo County

On Apr. 29, 2025, County Administrator Shannon Drake (334-295-2200 x8x1) said that the County currently has no shelter, no vet contract, and no AC; plans for a shelter are in beginning stages. Shannon mentioned Bigbee HS but was not certain whether they were funded at all by the County. I messaged Bigbee to ask, and heard back from Whitney Hall on Apr. 30 that “We’ve been asking for a county shelter since 2016. There is no contract, the commission gives us $5000 a year donation.”

Marion County

See Animal Services in Marion County.

Marshall County

See Animal Services in Marshall County.

Mobile County

See Animal Services in Mobile County.

Monroe County

Monroe County information is from Trisha Davis, director of Monroe County Animal Shelter (Fb page). (The County page lists Sue Evans as director; Trisha said Sue left 8 years ago.) The shelter was awarded 501c3 status last year, Trisha said. Funds received from Monroe County and the City of Monroeville do not even cover payroll. The shelter does follow a 7-day stray hold and goes to great lengths to ensure that animals are sterilized prior to adoption. Trisha said access to SN services is insufficient. The shelter arranges transport for both shelter pets and owned animals to three clinics: a Foley clinic that is open only to shelters, a Mississippi clinic, and Save a Stray in Mobile. In previous years, vets were hostile to low cost SN efforts, but current vets do refer residents who cannot afford their SN to the shelter. Shelter data is sent to Best Friends Network. The County has no AC. She feels they can barely make a dent and is frustrated by the low availability of SN slots and Conecuh County’s practice of adopting out unsterilized animals without even requiring adopters to agree to have the surgery done; the puppies end up at the Monroe County shelter. See this blog post for photos and more information about Monroe County shelter.

Montgomery County

Montgomery County information is from Steve Tears, long-time director of Montgomery Humane Society on an Apr. 28, 2025 call. Steve called me back on his vacation day, spoke frankly and compassionately and intelligently about his experience and philosophy in sheltering and animal control, and encouraged me to save his personal cell. This day has been full of inspiring and heartbreaking conversations that make me want to shout my praise for several people across this state working in both animal welfare and governance who are setting a higher bar of integrity, openness, and generosity. I never would have guessed that this research could be so rewarding and informative.

Montgomery Humane Society is a nonprofit contracted with Montgomery County, the City of Montgomery, and the Town of Pike Road. Steve has directed the organization for 20 years. The HS honors a 7-day stray hold for dogs picked up in the county, or 5-day if in the City of Montgomery. All animals are sterilized prior to adoption, Steve said. Census data is published online, and is up to date as of this writing.

AC is handled directly by the HS. Six ACOs are on the street at a time serving the County, of a total of 11 sworn humane officers. The 5 that are not on duty can be brought in to help if needed, such as on hoarding or dogfighting cases. When I asked what was meant by “sworn,” Steve said that the Commission can designate human officer that by law, have the same powers as a deputy sheriff; however carrying this out also depends on the sheriff in question: previously, HS ACOs were armed, for example, but now (after a new sheriff was elected) they are not.

The contract with the County and in the Town of Pike Road (which has no ordinances) is to enforce state laws; in Montgomery, both statutes and city ordinances. We also spoke about enforcement of Alabama Code § 3-1-5, which I have recorded in the § 3-1-5 notes, and also about HB149, about Steve's commitment to serving the community, his empathy for people living in povery and their right to the companionship of a pet, his understanding that sometimes caring people use a chain or tether out of desperation when their dog keeps escaping, his emphasis of finding solutions so that residents can keep their pets, pressure from BFAS to improve stats at the expense of actually serving animals, etc. I am honored that he chose to share so openly. He was concerned about taking too much of his time; I was appreciating every bit of it (though also wanting him to enjoy his day off)! In the end my phone called it quits by needing a recharge after I had been on calls all morning (and since it’s a cordless phone, I had to hang it up to charge).

Morgan County

I sent a message to Morgan County Humane Society (Fb), which appears to be an independent nonprofit shelter, and on Apr. 28, 2025 talked to the delightful Marci who confirmed that HS funding is through grants and donations; no government funding. She ensures that every animal adopted through the HS is sterilized; she refuses intakes from residents who are intentionally allowing their animals to breed; and when she does take in litters, she makes sure she receives mama too. She confirmed that the County does run Morgan County Animal Services (Fb), which includes both a shelter and AC (and Decatur PD operates Decatur Animal Services).

Darren Tucker is the director of animal control and the shelter in Morgan County and is a “super nice guy,” per Dustin Dutton, Cherokee County ACO and an animal control instructor throughout the state, on a June 6, 2025 phone call. Tucker began the post in 2017, according to a WAFF article.

There was no answer at Morgan County Commission on Apr. 28, 2025 (256-351-4730).

Perry County

On a Apr. 28, 2025 call, Bambi at Pawsitive Hearts of Perry County (205-928-2944) stated that her organization is a 501c3 which does not receive government funding. She is working on securing a building for sheltering. We spoke briefly about the situation in Perry County, which she said has no shelter and contracts with a vet for boarding; however boarding space is very limited. Bambi said the County used to have an ACO but no longer does. In addition to founding Pawsitive Hearts, she is currently studying criminal justice and working toward a career in animal law! I hope to be able to recommend her practice someday.

I did not hear back on an Apr. 28 vm for the County Administrator at the Commission (334-683-2200 x1x1).

Pickens County

Pickens County information is from Bridget Crepps, office admin at Extension (which seems to collaborate closely with the Commission in Pickens County, e.g., calls to the Commission are answered by Extension staff). Bridget said that the County has no shelter, no AC, and lots of stray dogs. (We also spoke about § 3-1-5.) Bridget was not aware of any contract with a vet, and adding that the County has only a single vet (West Alabama Animal Hospital).

Pike County

Brayton Hughes, admin assistant at the Commission (334-566-6374) stated on Apr. 29, 2025that the Pike Animal Shelter (Fb) is funded by the County. She did not know whether the shelter is operated by the City or a nonprofit; she thought the Commission funds the shelter with a yearly payment. Employees are not hired directly. Brayton stated that the County has one ACO who works out of the SO.

My previous call was to Pike Animal Shelter (Fb) (334-674-2422). A representative said that the shelter serves only the City of Pike and that the SO also impounds, but she did not know where those dogs were taken. Brayton said that the representative was mistaken in that the County is also served by the shelter, as described above.

Randolph County

An Apr. 25, 2025 email from April Smith, director of operations at Randolph County Animal Shelter, stated that the County has no animal control. According to the shelter FAQ, the shelter is a contracted nonprofit.

The Commission tel went to vm on Apr. 28. On Apr. 29, Vanessa Burnside, secretary at the Commission, confirmed that the shelter is a contracted nonprofit organization that is funded by the Commission with a consistent amount each month plus a percentage of the tobacco tax. Vanessa also confirmed that there is no AC in the County. (256-357-4980 x3)

Russell County

On an Apr. 29, 2025 call to Russell County Phenix City Animal Shelter (334-291-4847 x3), I was told that the shelter serves both County and City. The staff member did not know who operated the shelter; but did say that her paycheck is issued by Phenix City. The shelter maintains a 7-day stray hold, she said. Pets are not sterilized prior to adoption; adopters sign a contract and are given a voucher. She did not know whether census data is prepared. She said the County and City each have one ACO who brings in impounded animals (the County has an AC webpage). She would not provide her name or title and took my information for her supervisor, Mr. Daniels, to call me. I did not hear from Mr. Daniels.

St. Clair County

See Animal Services in St. Clair County.

Shelby County

See Animal Services in Shelby County.

Sumter County

I called the Commission (205-652-2731) on Apr. 29, 2025 after search results suggested that there is no shelter in the Sumter County. The representative stated that the County has no shelter, no vet contract, and no AC, and hung up when I asked for her name as the source of that information. A second representative told me to call the SO when I asked her name. I left a vm at the SO (205-652-7984) and did not hear back. On a Mar. 25 call related to the Sumter County § 3-1-5 research, Kameka, dispatcher at the SO, had said the county does not have a “dogcatcher.”

Talladega County

See Animal Services in Talladega County.

Tallapoosa County

Embirly Collum, Chief Probate Clerk at the Commission (256-825-4268), stated on Apr. 29, 2025 that Tallapoosa County does not have a shelter or contract; however the County does provide some support to Lake Martin Animal Shelter (aka Lake Martin HS, 256-234-5533) in Alexander City. Embirly said there is no formal arrangement; the organization simply requests funds and the Commission chooses how much to provide. There is no AC in the unincorporated area. Embirly said that the Commission has been “trying to do something” to improve the AC situation for 1.5–2 years; more info at Tallapoosa County § 3-1-5 notes.

I then called Lake Martin Animal Shelter. Kim took my information so that a Board member can call me to discuss the arrangement between the county and the shelter. On May 7, I spoke with Kim again to discern whether the HS is functioning as an impounding facility for the county. Kim said that they are contracted with Alexander City and have no agreement with the county. They accept from the county only if space allows. They have on occasion taken county animals that are involved in court cases, but again, such a situation is not contracted or mandated in any way, and they do not accept any animal that is reported to have bit within 14 days.

In a Sept. 19 conversation, Embirly said that the county continues to discuss and budget for animal services, including adoption of § 3-1-5, which she said was requested by a resident, and AC to pickup strays of unknown ownership, which constitute the majority of the requests received by the county. The situation is compounded by the death of the director of Lake Martin Animal Shelter, the need to expand the shelter to accommodate impoundment from the rural area, and a leadership change at the Commission. Embirly reiterated that the topic of animal services continues to be on the Commission agenda.

Tuscaloosa County

Amanda, executive secretary at the Commission office (205-464-8212), said on Apr. 29, 2025 that Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter (205-752-9101) is funded by the County and the cities of Northport and Tuscaloosa. She did not know whether it is a nonprofit, but did know that the Commission does not run it. AC is through the SO, Amanda said. There is one ACO for the County.

Walker County

See Animal Services in Walker County.

Washington County

On a May 5, 2025 call, Commissioner Allen Bailey (251-847-2208) said that the County does have a shelter or pound called Washington County Animal Shelter. The shelter has no website, no Fb page, and no phone number due to the rural location, Allen said. The shelter is run directly by the County. Two municipalities are contracted and the Commission is working on contracting with a third. Previously, there was a nonprofit shelter or animal organization but the people running it decided they did not want to contract with the county. Allen did not know whether a stray hold was honored or whether data is prepared. He did not know whether animals are being offered for adoption: the nonprofit used to do that, Allen said, but the current situation is unclear. As for AC, Allen said, “We’re looking for an officer now,” adding that it is hard to find someone reliable. He said that the future ACO will work directly for the Commission, rather than the SO.

Previous calls: On Apr. 29, the Commission representative did not know and said an unknown person would call. On Apr. 30, a different representative was also unaware whether there is a shelter, and did not know who I should talk to, so I asked for Commissioner Bailey, based on our § 3-1-5 conversation last month. She said she would give him my tel. On May 1, Commissioner Bailey was not in. The payroll clerk who answered the phone did not know whether the County funds a shelter; she took my info for the accounts payable person.

Wilcox County

Demetria Scott, county administrator at the Commission (334-682-9112), said on Apr. 29, 2025 that the county has no shelter, no vet contract, and no AC.

Winston County

See Animal Services in Winston County.