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

Section 4-2(a) makes it the duty of every owner or person in charge to keep a dog under effective restraint whenever the dog is within the city, on or away from the owner's premises. Proof that a dog is not properly restrained is prima facie evidence of a violation, and the burden shifts to the city only where the failure came from an unforeseeable act of nature or a third person outside the household and not charged with the animal's care. On the owner's own property, Sec. 4-2(b) leaves the method to the owner, such as housing the dog inside, a fence, a pen or a trolley line, provided it presents no hazard to the dog or the public. Off the premises, Sec. 4-8 treats a dog as restrained only when a competent person controls it by leash, cord, chain or other restraint sufficient to physically control it at all times.

Tethering is tightly limited by Sec. 4-2.1. Direct point chaining is prohibited. A trolley or pulley cable run is allowed if the tether attaches to a properly fitting harness or collar (no choke, pinch or prong collars), has a swivel on at least one end, weighs no more than 25 percent of the dog's weight, and hangs from a runner between 4 and 7 feet above the ground and at least 15 feet long, with 15 continuous feet per dog. A dog can be tethered while an adult is outside supervising, at organized shows and events, or under a licensed veterinarian's care. A temporary tethering permit for repairs or new structures lasts 14 days and costs $10, with a one-week extension costing $20.

Section 4-4 gives the animal control officer or director a written warning for a first off-premises violation, a $25 citation without court costs for a repeat within 12 months, and a court appearance for any later violation, plus a $40 charge for after-hours pickup. Impounded dogs are held at least 48 hours and no more than one calendar week (Sec. 4-1).