Did you know that statistically the most dangerous animal in Alabama is the domesticated dog? How sad is that?! This is in large part due to the fact there is no leash laws outside of city limits. I've only lived in Alabama slightly over a year and a half and I have almost been mauled by more than one neighbor's dog on SIX different occasions. The decision and responsibility whether or not to leash one's dog clearly cannot be left up to individual pet owners here. Not only would a leash law throughout the entire county make Alabama a much safer state, it would also significantly reduce the amount of unwanted litters and strays that end up in already overcrowded shelters as a result of lack of spay, neuter and supervision. Very few dogs here are spayed, neutered or supervised when loose outside, which results in intact males roaming around impregnating intact females and we end up with hundreds of litters a year nobody wants and that there's no room in the shelters for. This petition is two prong. Not only would a leash law significantly reduce the number of injuries and deaths that occur to both people and animals here and make it safe to walk your dog outside of city limits, which is something you quite literally cannot do here currently, but it would also significantly reduce the amount of unwanted litters and dogs ending up in shelters or living on the street. Alabama has also had at least two rabies outbreaks in the short time I've lived here. A leash law would reduce the likelihood of owned animals coming intact with rabies infected wild animals. It's time for change in Alabama. Please sign this Petition to enforce a leash law throughout the entirety of Covington County, including outside city limits.