Animal Services in Cherokee County

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Impoundment Facilities or Shelters in Cherokee County

Cherokee County Animal Shelter is operated directly by Cherokee County Commission. It serves the unincorporated area and the cities of Centre, Leesburg, and Cedar Bluff; the county’s other municipalities do not contribute to costs.

• Stray Hold is 7 days.
• Spay/Neuter is performed on all animals prior to adoption. Kittens and puppies are sterilized as young as two months of age. If the animal is not old enough or big enough, the adopter signs an agreement and the county schedules the appointment. If the adopter does not fulfill the appointment, the shelter takes the animal back.
• Animal Census Reports are prepared monthly and can be requested from the County Commission.

Animal Control in Cherokee County

Cherokee County employs two ACOs who impound dogs and cats in both the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county. One ACO is on the road at all times, and Animal Control Director Dustin Dutton goes out as needed. Impounded pets are posted on the shelter’s Facebook page. For assistance, call the shelter. Criminal or civil matters within police jurisdictions are handled by local police departments.

For concerns within the incorporated area of the City of Piedmont, call ACO Christian Crider at 256-447-3586 or 256-452-5225.

Dog Confinement Requirements in Cherokee County

County Adoption of Alabama’s Dog Confinement Statute: Dog confinement is not required in unincorporated Cherokee County because the Cherokee County Commission has not adopted Alabama Code § 3-1-5, which would require that dogs be confined to the owner’s premises or kept in the charge of a responsible person if off-premises. There are still steps you can take to address issues or to encourage the county to require confinement.

Animal Control Director Dustin Dutton stated that adoption was considered roughly 15 years ago; the hearing turned into a riot. In this rural county, some residents have no neighbor within a mile, Dustin explained; nonetheless, some residents were concerned about their dogs being impounded or about being cited such as by an officer driving by. Even though the law would never be enforced in those ways, Dustin said, these and other fears prevented adoption from getting any traction.

Our Recommendation for those in the unincorporated area or in a municipality with unclear statutory authority is to proceed as if the statute or an ordinance is applicable, by keeping their own dogs confined or in their charge and by reporting owners who allow their dog to run loose, for the safety of people and animals alike.

Dog Confinement Requirements Within Corporate Limits & Police Jurisdiction:

• Dog confinement is required in Collinsville (Ordinance 2012-06) and Piedmont (§ 4-19).
• Dog confinement is not required in Cedar Bluff, Centre, or Leesburg, though Centre representatives have considered a requirement and Cedar Bluff is currently working toward establishing an ordinance and enforcement officer. For details, see Sources.
• Dog confinement requirements unknown (ordinances are not published online): Gaylesville, Sand Rock.

How to Report: See How to Report an At-Large Violation.

Low-Cost Spay & Neuter in Cherokee County

Alabama Spay Neuter, a non-profit clinic specializing in sterilization, offers everyday low prices, aid programs, and pet transportation from Calhoun County and Etowah County.

See Low-Cost Spay/Neuter in Alabama for additional resources.

Can you can provide spay/neuter information? Please email us.

Access to Information & Public Records in Cherokee County

Animal Control & Shelter: Duston Dutton, director, has been exceptionally generous in sharing information.

Cherokee County Documents

Cherokee County Commission’s public records request procedure includes an in-person requirement. If your request is denied on that basis, see this information.

Sources & Contact Information

• Dustin Dutton, Animal Control Director. Aubrie Kavanaugh spoke with Dustin about the shelter and animal control on April 29, 2025. Kristin Yarbrough spoke with Dustin about dog confinement law in Mar. 2025.
• Jenni Burt, Town of Cedar Bluff Town Clerk, said on Dec. 22, 2025 that the town does have an old ordinance requiring dog confinement but currently has no one to enforce it. She said they are working on a new ordinance and its enforcement, such as by a police officer or town employee.
• Paula Walker, City of Centre AP Clerk, said on Dec. 22, 2025 that the Centre City Council has considered requiring dog confinement in the city, but has not passed an ordinance.
• Heather Garrett, Town of Leesburg Assistant Town Clerk, said on Dec. 22, 2025 that the town does not have an ordinance requiring dog confinement.
• Ben Singleton, City of Piedmont Building and Zoning was not available; City info will be updated if we hear back from Ben.
• Town Clerk or other administrator, Town of Sand Rock. Town info will be updated if an administrator calls back.

Do You Have a Correction, Addition, or Comment?

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