Animal Services in Cleburne County

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Impoundment Facilities or Shelters in Cleburne County

Cleburne County Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, formed in 2022 to collaborate with Cleburne County and the City of Heflin toward the construction of an animal shelter.

As of this Mar. 29, 2026 update, the Cleburne County Animal Shelter Facebook page is reporting that the shelter is soon to open. The Anniston Star reported in Jan. 2025 that the shelter would open within three to four months. County Commissioner Emmett Owen told reporter Bill Wilson that the main building, housing cats and staff offices, was complete, and the dog kennel building was under construction.

Animal Control in Cleburne County

Animal Control in Unincorporated Areas of Cleburne County: Cleburne County has no animal control officers. For assistance, contact Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office at 256-463-2277.

Animal Control Within Corporate Limits & Police Jurisdiction:

• In Heflin, call the Police Department at 256-463-2292.
• For assistance in Edwardsville, Fruithurst, or Ranburne, call your police department or the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office.

If your ACO is unable to help or if your area has no animal services, see this guidance.

Dog Confinement Requirements in Cleburne County

County Adoption of Alabama’s Dog Confinement Statute: Dog confinement is not required in unincorporated Cleburne County because the Cleburne 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 that residents can take to address issues or to encourage the county to require confinement.

Dog Confinement Requirements Within Corporate Limits & Police Jurisdiction:

• Dog confinement is required by ordinance in Heflin (§ 8-66).
• Edwardsville, Fruithurst, or Ranburne: These municipalities do not appear to post their ordinances on their websites or via Municode. Please email us if you can share information.

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

Low-Cost Spay & Neuter in Cleburne County

• Pet transportation is available from Clay County to Alabama Spay Neuter in Irondale. Financial assistance is also available.
• See Low-Cost Spay/Neuter in Alabama and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter in Calhoun County for additional resources.

Access to Information & Public Records in Cleburne County

Even with its tiny population, Cleburne County, the municipalities of Heflin and Ranburne, and the volunteers behind Cleburne County Animal Shelter have shared more information about animal services on their websites and Facebooks than have many larger counties.

Cleburne County Documents

• County Commission Public Records Request Form — If your request is denied on the basis of the in-person requirement stated on the form, see this information.

Sources & Contact Information

• Lisa Copeland, Cleburne County Administrator, 256-463-3827 spoke to Aubrie Kavanaugh on May 1, 2025 regarding the shelter and animal control, and to Kristin Yarbrough on Mar. 28, 2025 regarding Alabama Code § 3-1-5.

Do You Have a Correction, Addition, or Comment?

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