Vestavia Hills, AL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 4-19 makes it unlawful for an owner or person in charge of a dog to cause or permit the dog to run at large or be upon a street, sidewalk, thoroughfare or public place in the city unless the dog is attached to a leash in the hands of the owner or person in charge. Section 4-16 defines "run at large" broadly: a dog is at large at any time it is not confined within a wall, fence or enclosure, including electronic or invisible fencing with battery backup that effectively prevents escape, or is not attached to a leash held by the owner.

Section 4-20 separately declares any dog running at large, tagged or not, a nuisance and menace to health and safety, subject to apprehension and impoundment by the animal control officer under Section 4-22, who transports the dog to the city pound or rabies control center. Section 4-21 lets an officer issue a citation on the spot; the owner can settle before the court date rather than stand trial if they have not already settled or been convicted twice in the prior twelve months. Section 4-25 sets the redemption path: an owner who proves ownership and rabies compliance before transport can reclaim the dog immediately by paying the settlement fine, and an impounded dog can be redeemed after paying the citation fine plus boarding, medical or inoculation charges billed by the rabies control center.