How Bessemer Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Bessemer maintains 40 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Bessemer falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Dog Leash Laws

Bessemer Code Chapter 14 (Animals) regulates dog ownership within city limits. Dogs must be confined or leashed per municipal ordinance. Alabama municipalities have authority to regulate dogs throughout corporate limits and police jurisdiction (Ala. Code §11-40-10).

Key details: Ordinance: Chapter 14 (Animals). Leash Required: Yes, in public areas. Municipal Authority: Ala. Code §11-40-10. Enforcement: Bessemer Police Department.

Dog at large: $50 to $200. No rabies tag: $50 to $100. Dangerous dog violation: up to $5,000 and criminal charges.

Breed Restrictions

Bessemer does not appear to have breed-specific legislation. Alabama has no statewide breed ban preemption, so cities may adopt BSL. Dangerous dog provisions under state law (Ala. Code §3-6A-1 et seq.) apply based on behavior, not breed.

Key details: Breed Bans: None found in Bessemer. State Preemption: None — cities can adopt BSL. Dangerous Dog Law: Ala. Code §3-6A-1 et seq.. Enforcement: Bessemer Police Department.

Breed restriction violation: $200 to $1,000. Animal impoundment possible. Mandatory conditions for return.

The rules around breed restrictions in Bessemer lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Beekeeping

Bessemer does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Alabama law (Ala. Code §2-14-1 et seq.) governs apiary registration through the Department of Agriculture. Urban beekeeping is subject to general nuisance standards.

Key details: City Ordinance: No specific beekeeping ordinance. State Law: Ala. Code §2-14-1 (Apiaries). Registration: AL Dept. of Agriculture. Nuisance Standard: General nuisance provisions apply.

Ordinance violation: $50 to $200. Nuisance complaints may trigger additional restrictions.

Bessemer is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

Exotic Pets

Bessemer Code Chapter 14 regulates animals within city limits. Alabama law (Ala. Code §9-11-320 et seq.) governs wildlife possession. Permits from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources may be required for exotic animals.

Key details: Local Ordinance: Chapter 14 (Animals). State Wildlife Law: Ala. Code §9-11-320. Permit Authority: AL Conservation & Natural Resources. Enforcement: Bessemer Police Department.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Bessemer gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Bessemer's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.