Birmingham, AL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

No Birmingham-specific ordinance bans any particular dog breed; the Alabama state default applies. Alabama's Control of Dangerous Dogs statute, Chapter 3-6A (cited as 'Emily's Law'), defines a dangerous dog without reference to breed. Ala. Code 3-6A-3 defines the term as 'A dog, regardless of its breed, that has bitten, attacked, or caused physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to a person without justification,' excluding police animals used for legitimate law enforcement. Because the statewide framework turns on individual behavior rather than breed and was enacted to replace breed-specific approaches, Birmingham regulates dangerous animals through behavior-based provisions in its Animals and Fowl code rather than a pit-bull or other breed ban. Owners of any breed remain responsible for confinement, rabies vaccination, and complying with the dangerous-dog process if their dog bites or attacks.