Auburn, AL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 4-16(a) makes restraint a continuous duty of the owner, not just a rule for public spaces. Subsection (b) specifically bars letting a dog run at large off the owner's own property, onto another's property without permission, or onto public streets and rights-of-way unless the dog is on a leash. The city council can also adopt a resolution designating 'sweep periods,' during which every dog must be leashed unless inside a private building, fenced run or fenced yard; these periods are reserved for apprehending strays to stop the spread of disease or another public-health threat, and any dog caught loose during a sweep is subject to the chapter's enforcement provisions.

Separately, Sec. 4-17 restricts tethering a dog outdoors unless the owner is present and visible, the tether is a swivel-ended line at least five times the dog's body length and no heavier than one-eighth of its weight, and the dog has water, shelter and dry ground; puppies under six months may never be tethered. Violations of the restraint requirement in Sec. 4-16 carry an escalating fine schedule under Sec. 4-26: $25 for a first offense and $50 for a second, with mandatory court appearance after a third violation.