Animal Ordinances in Birmingham, AL (2026)
11 verified animal ordinances for Birmingham, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Birmingham Title 4 restricts livestock on residential lots; backyard hens are permitted only with adequate setbacks from neighbors and roosters are banned because of noise.
Chickens and Livestock in Birmingham
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Birmingham requires dogs to be on a leash or under restraint when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large may be impounded by animal control.
Birmingham Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Birmingham does not have breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned. Alabama state law does not preempt local BSL, but Birmingham has not enacted any.
Birmingham Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping is generally permitted in Birmingham with proper colony management. Alabama has a supportive beekeeping framework through the state Department of Agriculture.
Birmingham Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Exotic pet ownership in Birmingham is regulated by Alabama state law. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources controls permits for wildlife. Section 11-8-8 prohibits keeping certain animals.
Birmingham Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Birmingham prohibits feeding deer, raccoons, feral cats, and other wildlife when it creates a nuisance or attracts rodents, with enforcement coordinated through Animal Services and JCDH.
Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Birmingham works with Animal Services and Alabama state cruelty statutes to investigate hoarding situations, allowing seizure of animals living in unsanitary or overcrowded conditions.
Animal Hoarding and Cruelty
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Birmingham caps the number of dogs and cats per household under Title 4 to control nuisance complaints; exceeding the limit requires a multi-pet or kennel license issued through Animal Services.
Household Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Birmingham does not require leashes for cats but treats nuisance, biting, or repeated property damage as enforceable, and supports trap-neuter-return for managed community-cat colonies.
Outdoor and Roaming Cats
Few RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Birmingham requires spay or neuter for adopted shelter animals and offers low-cost surgery referrals; intact pets need a higher-fee license and may face restrictions after a roaming complaint.
Spay/Neuter Requirements
Some RestrictionsMicrochipping
Birmingham licenses dogs and cats annually and strongly recommends microchipping to speed shelter returns; the city shelter chips animals at intake before adoption or release to owners.
Pet Microchip and Licensing
Few RestrictionsLooking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Birmingham city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Jefferson County →