We the undersigned respectfully request the Montgomery City Council consider this petition to strengthen protections for dogs including those habitually living outdoors, tethered, chained or living in confined spaces.  

Dogs living in Montgomery should be treated humanely with adequate room for exercise, access to food and water, and sound shelter from storms and temperature extremes.                                                                     

Montgomery’s laws against animal cruelty have not been updated since 2001 and fall short on providing guidance on tethering dogs, supplying food and water, and providing shelter.   Failure to provide dogs with basic needs can damage their health and well being and may lead to acts of aggression, repetitive barking from boredom or loneliness, or the development of serious medical conditions.  

We humbly request the Council review the city animal ordinances in Chapter 4 and consider working with the Montgomery Humane Society to improve this section.  Additionally, we ask you review and consider other city ordinances with strong protections for dogs, such as Wetumpka’s recently passed Dog Tethering law (Section 10-119).  Thank you for your attention to this matter and work towards improving the City of Montgomery.

Link to City Council member: https://www.montgomeryal.gov/city-government/city-council

Link to Montgomery’s Animal Ordinances (Chapter 4): https://library.municode.com/al/montgomery/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH4AN

Link to Wetumpka’s Animal Ordinances (Chapter 10): https://library.municode.com/al/wetumpka/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH10AN_ARTIIDOCA