The Alabama Legislature ended its 2025-2026 session with good, bad and ugly legislation sent to Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk.
One of the good pieces of legislation involves a cause close to my heart: “Beau’s Law,” or SB361. This bill ensures that animals have proper food and shelter, especially if they are primarily outdoor dogs. Animal rights organizations like the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and concerned Alabamians across the state fought hard to get this piece of legislation to the floor for a vote.
Introduced by Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and co-sponsored by Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery), this bill reflected a true bipartisan effort, right on time for the April 11, National Pet Day.
According to 1819 News, Beau’s Law cleared both houses on Wednesday:
The legislation would require dog owners to provide adequate shelter, water, food, and care while tethered, or face the removal of their dogs and possible misdemeanor criminal charges.
… Amendments included better outlining what constituted a commercial breeder and defining a full enclosure as one with walls and a solid floor.
Should Ivey sign the bill, which is likely as she is an avid dog owner, the effective enforcement date would be Oct. 1, 2026. This gives Alabamians who tether their dogs outside ample time to ensure they are providing a safe, secure and human environment for their animals.
Some key components of the bill include:
- Clear standards for how dogs can be tethered, preventing injury, strangulation or entanglement.
- Bans on the use of heavy chains. Properly-fitted collars or harnesses with swivel attachments only.
- A trolley system, rather than tying the dog to a fixed post or object, would be required.
- Dogs must have continuous access to clean water and adequate food.
- Proper shelter must include a roof, walls and a solid floor to protect them from weather conditions.
- In cases of extreme weather conditions, any form of tethering is prohibited.
The law gives exclusions for working dogs used for shepherding or herding livestock, cultivating agricultural products, hunting or retrieving.
“Violations carry escalating criminal penalties,” Yellowhammer News reported.
A first offense is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail. A second offense is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $3,000. A third offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000.
If a certified law enforcement officer has probable cause that the law has been violated, they may remove the dog if its life is believed to be in danger or order the owner to provide care at the owner’s expense.
Most of us understand the distinction between dogs used for working purposes or livestock protection and fully domesticated canines who frolic around our homes and even sleep in beds. However, in tornado and hurricane conditions, even working animals should be properly protected and made safe. Sadly, this has not always been the case, as reels and videos shown by the bill’s proponents indicate.
Dogs suffering abuse and harm seemed to be a rule across the state, rather than an exception, and after years this will thankfully come to an end.
As Alabama proudly wraps itself in its Christian heritage and history, it’s important to recall Proverbs 12:10: “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
Naturally, several legislators opposed the bill. Rep. Brett Easterbrook’s (R-Fruitdale) comments on the House floor – “Here we are talking about putting people in jail over a damn dog” – were especially received with widespread shock, then anger and derision.
Many outlets noted that the vehement opposition to Beau’s Law was waged by the Alabama Farmer’s Association. So legislators who voted “No” or abstained from voting may not have wanted to appear in opposition to this powerful lobby.
Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s CEO Allison Black Cornelius, along with other citizens championing Beau’s Law, have asked supporters to do two things:
1. Call and thank the legislators who supported this bill and voted for its passage; and
2. Call and inform the legislators who were either too callous or too cowardly to support Beau’s Law that they will be held accountable.
The May 19 primary is coming, and an anti-incumbent fever is sweeping the electorate. Those who normally don’t pay attention are paying attention now.
But this fight to obtain basic compassion and care for animals should also be an object lesson on how any legislative matters are handled. People cannot give up on their fight. Cornelius was determined to see Beau’s Law moved forward, and thanks to the bravery of Gudger and Ensler, constant watch by other legislators within committee, and the write-in, phone, and rally campaigns, the bill will become law. This is what we citizens must do to make our voices heard, because lobbyist and special interest money has too long dictated what gets passed without citizens’ consent.
The aim of good policy should be to protect the vulnerable and voiceless. So from this dog mama, much gratitude to all those who advocated for Beau’s Law and ensured it made it across the finish line.
Jennifer Oliver O'Connell, As the Girl Turns, is an investigative journalist, author, opinion analyst, and contributor to 1819 News, Redstate, and other publications. Jennifer writes on Politics and Pop Culture, with occasional detours into Reinvention, Yoga, and Food. You can read more about Jennifer's world at her As the Girl Turns website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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