Enforcement of Animal Laws
Who to Contact About an Animal-Related Violation
When a person or animal is in immediate danger, call 911. When the situation is not an emergency, first determine whether it is located within municipal limits, then report to the agency that has jurisdiction:
- In an unincorporated area, call your county’s dispatch or sheriff’s non-emergency line.
- Within municipal limits and police jurisdictions, report to the police department (if there is one) or call your county’s dispatch or sheriff’s non-emergency line.
Reporting may be possible in person, by phone, or through an online form. You can also call the shelter (if your area has a shelter).
If you your concerns are not taken seriously, see this guidance.
How Animal-Related Violations are Enforced in Alabama
Enforcement of cruelty and other animal laws begins with observation. The initial witness may be an officer or may be a resident who observes or gains information about a possible violation and then reports to authorities about cruelty, neglect, or abuse or about an at-large violation.
Reports of animal-related violations or concerns may be addressed by a civilian ACO and/or by a law enforcement officer (LEO).
- If a violation is observed, and depending on the authority of the responding person, he or she may take legal action, such as by citing a pet owner, charging a resident with a crime, impounding a dog, or initiating an investigation.
- If no violation is observed, the officer may attempt to speak with the resident or pet owner about what was reported and the applicable law(s). In this situation, it is common that nothing further will be or can be done unless you, as a witness to a possible offense, bring your information directly to the court.
Who Enforces Animal Laws
Animal control and cruelty investigation in Alabama counties and municipalities is tasked to law enforcement officers and sometimes also civilian animal control officers.
- Law enforcement officers (LEOs) work within sheriff’s offices and police departments. Only LEOs can enforce state law such as animal cruelty and the prohibition of allowing dogs to run at large.
- Animal control officers (ACOs) are employed by many Alabama counties and municipalities. A primary responsibility of ACOs is impounding loose dogs. Unless the ACO is also an APOSTC-certified law enforcement officer, Alabama ACOs do not have the authority to enforce state law and must rely on the collaboration of law enforcement officers.
In municipalities, ACOs do have the authority to issue summonses for violation of muicipal ordinances. Some ordinances are also enforced by police officers, while sheriff's deputies do not enforce municipal ordinances unless the contract between the municipality and the sheriff provides for such enforcement.
More About Enforcement…
- ACO & LEO Authority discusses the law enforcement authority of ACOs and LEOs, the enforceent differences between counties and municipalities, and the choices some local governments have made to increase ACO enforcement authority.
- Challenges & Remedies explores the many factors behind the varying degrees of animal law enforcement varies in Alabama and offers options for ACOs and community members for situations in which concerns are not being addressed.
- Cullman County’s Proactive Approach describes how Cullman County has prioritized and empowered ACOs and how Alabama counties can learn from their example.