Animal Ordinances in Montgomery, AL (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Montgomery, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Montgomery, Alabama bans letting a dog run at large: a dog off its owner's property must be fenced in, enclosed in a vehicle, or on a leash no longer than six feet with a properly fitted collar or harness. Violators face impoundment and fees up to $35 plus $20 per day.
Montgomery, Alabama Dogs-at-Large Leash Law
Some RestrictionsMontgomery City Code § 4-13
It shall be unlawful for the owner of or any person having custody or direct control of any dog to allow or permit a dog to run at large within the city.(1)A dog is running at large if it is not under the control of the owner or a person acting for the owner and it is not:a.Confined within a fence, wall or other enclosure in such a manner so as to effectively prevent the dog from traveling unto...
Breed Restrictions
Montgomery, Alabama has no breed-specific ban: City Code Sec. 4-121 defines a vicious animal by its conduct and expressly states no dog may be declared vicious based solely on its breed. An owner accused of harboring a vicious animal may present evidence of provocation.
Montgomery, Alabama Vicious Animal Rule, No Breed Ban
Some RestrictionsMontgomery City Code § 4-121
A "vicious animal" is defined as an animal that attacks, bites or inflicts severe injury to human beings, pets, companion animals, or livestock while off of its owner's property and/or in violation of section 4-13. The owner of any animal accused of being vicious is entitled to introduce evidence that the animal was provoked or that the animal(s) actions at the time of the alleged attack, bite ...
Exotic Pets
Montgomery, Alabama bans keeping or possessing any wild animal or wild bird within city limits unless state or federal law specifically permits it. City Code Sec. 4-11 defines a wild animal broadly as anything not cultivated, tamed or adjusted to a human environment.
Montgomery, Alabama Wild Animal Possession Ban
Heavy RestrictionsMontgomery City Code § 4-11
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or possess any wild animal or wild bird except as permitted by state law or federal law.
Cat Rules
Montgomery, Alabama requires every cat over three months old to be vaccinated against rabies annually and to wear a collar or harness with an inoculation tag whenever off the owner's premises. A cat lacking a tag can be impounded under the same rules that apply to dogs.
Montgomery, Alabama Cat Collar and Rabies Rules
Some RestrictionsMontgomery City Code §§ 4-82, 4-83
Sec. 4-82. - Annual rabies inoculation required. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, keep, maintain or harbor within the city limits any dog or cat which has not been inoculated annually against rabies as required by state law. ... Sec. 4-83. - Collar or harness required; tag to be attached; removal prohibited. Every dog and cat over the age of three months shall wear a substan...
Microchipping
Montgomery, Alabama requires every dog or cat over nine months old to be microchipped and registered with a national microchip registry unless a narrow exception applies. City Code Sec. 4-88 lets a cited owner avoid the charge by microchipping before the court date.
Montgomery, Alabama Dog and Cat Microchip Law
Some RestrictionsMontgomery City Code § 4-88
Required. No person may own, keep, harbor, or have custody or control of any dog or cat over nine months of age within the city limits without having said dog or cat implanted with a microchip that is to be registered with a national microchip registry unless one of the exceptions below is met. ... Owners charged under this ordinance may submit proof to the municipal court that they have had th...
Bird Protection
Montgomery, Alabama has declared its entire corporate territory a bird sanctuary. City Code Sec. 4-12 makes it unlawful to maim, kill or injure any wild or migrating bird anywhere within city limits.
Montgomery, Alabama Bird Sanctuary Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsMontgomery City Code § 4-12
The territory comprising the city is declared a bird sanctuary. It shall be unlawful for any person to maim, kill or injure any wild or migrating bird within such territory.