Alabama families deserve stronger protections to ensure no parent, child, neighbor, or pet faces preventable harm caused by irresponsible dog ownership and breeding practices.

This petition does not seek to ban any breed. Instead, it promotes responsible breeding, licensing, containment, and accountability—especially for powerful, high-drive dogs that require experienced ownership and proper management.

If you care about public safety, responsible dog ownership, and animal welfare, sign this petition and share it with your community. Lawmakers in Alabama need to hear your voice.

Across Alabama and the United States, serious dog attacks continue to injure and kill children, adults, pets, and livestock each year. Many of these incidents are preventable and are often linked to irresponsible backyard breeding, poor containment, and lack of accountability.

A growing concern in Alabama is the unregulated backyard breeding of powerful, high-drive dogs without proper standards.

These dogs are often bred without:

• Health testing
• Temperament evaluation
• Proper socialization

In Alabama communities, commonly owned breeds impacted by irresponsible breeding include but are not limited to:

• Pit bull–type dogs
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Boxers
• Chow Chows

These breeds are often chosen for protection, companionship, or lifestyle—but they also require responsible breeding, proper training, and secure containment.

When bred and raised responsibly, these dogs can be stable and well-managed. However, when they are bred without standards and placed into unprepared homes, the risks increase—for both the public and the animals themselves.

Irresponsible breeding of these dogs can lead to:

• Unstable temperaments
• Poor health outcomes
• Increased likelihood of abandonment or surrender
• Higher risk of serious incidents when improperly managed

Any powerful breed—when bred irresponsibly and placed in the wrong hands—can become a risk. Responsible breeding and ownership is what makes the difference.

This issue is not about blame—it is about prevention and accountability.

Many existing animal control laws in Alabama are not consistently enforced. Dogs are frequently allowed to roam, are abandoned, or are kept in neglectful conditions with little consequence. When enforcement is weak, dangerous situations develop for both communities and animals.

While laws such as Emily’s Law exist, they typically take effect after an attack has already occurred. In many severe cases involving powerful breeds, there is no opportunity for a second intervention.

Impact on Shelters and Communities

Alabama shelters are under significant strain. More than 60,000 animals enter shelters each year, and nearly one-fifth are euthanized due to overcrowding or behavioral concerns.

A large portion of these animals come from irresponsible or unplanned breeding situations. Dogs bred without proper standards are more likely to:

• Be surrendered or abandoned
• Develop behavioral challenges
• Remain unadopted long-term

Certain breeds, including pit bull–type dogs, are disproportionately represented in shelters and euthanasia statistics, highlighting the urgent need for better breeding oversight and ownership standards.

Public Safety and Financial Impact

Alabama faces a growing public safety and financial burden from dangerous dog incidents.

1. Alabama ranks #2 in the nation for fatal dog attacks per capita.
2. Nationwide, dog bite claims exceed $1 billion annually.
3. The average claim exceeds $60,000 per incident.

These costs impact:

• Families
• Healthcare systems
• Insurance rates
• Local governments and taxpayers

Preventative policies can reduce both human harm and financial strain.

Why Responsible Breeding Matters

Responsible breeding helps ensure dogs are:

• Healthy
• Behaviorally stable
• Properly socialized
• Placed in suitable homes

When breeding is done responsibly, dogs are set up to succeed.

When it is not, both animals and communities pay the price.

Owner Accountability

Owners of high-risk, high-drive dogs—including pit bull–type dogs—must be held accountable for the actions of their animals.

Failure to properly contain or manage a dog that causes injury or death should carry clear legal consequences, including fines, civil liability, or criminal penalties where appropriate.

Mandatory microchipping and litter registration will help establish ownership and support enforcement through:

• Microchip identification
• Photo/video evidence
• Verifiable ownership records

Compliance for Current and Future Owners

All individuals breeding or acquiring high-risk dogs after the law takes effect must comply with:

• Licensing requirements
• Microchipping
• Secure containment
• Spay/neuter requirements (unless licensed)

Existing and new owners must:

• Register and microchip dogs within six months
• Ensure proper containment
• Obtain a breeder license for any future litters

Breeding restrictions apply to all litters born after the law is enacted unless the owner holds a valid state-issued breeder license.

Owners who fail to comply or whose dogs cause harm due to negligence should face enforceable penalties.

Support for Animal Welfare Systems

Licensing, microchipping, and breeding license fees should be allocated directly to shelters, animal control agencies, and rescue organizations, helping alleviate the financial burden they currently face.

This allows the system to shift from reactive to preventative and sustainable, supporting the people already doing this critical work every day.

Reporting System for Unlicensed Breeding

A statewide reporting system should be established where the public can report unlicensed breeding activity.

Reports must include sufficient evidence such as:

• Photos or videos
• Listings or advertisements
• Documentation linking dogs to breeders

All valid reports must be investigated.

Dogs from litters born before the law is enacted may still be sold or rehomed, provided:

• The dog is properly microchipped
• Ownership information is updated
• All containment and ownership rules are followed

Legislative Goals

We call upon the Alabama Legislature to introduce and support the Alabama Responsible Breeding and Public Safety Act, establishing:

1. Licensing requirements for breeding high-risk dogs
2. Health and temperament considerations for breeding practices
3. Registration of all litters and mandatory microchipping
4. Secure containment requirements
5. Enforcement of existing neglect and abandonment laws
6. Clear legal consequences for negligence resulting in harm
7. A public reporting system for unlicensed breeding
8. Direct funding support for shelters and animal control through licensing and microchipping fees

These measures are designed to:

• Improve public safety
• Reduce irresponsible breeding
• Strengthen accountability
• Support animal welfare systems
• Protect both people and animals across Alabama

We respectfully urge the Alabama Legislature to take action.

Sign below to support responsible breeding, safer communities, and sustainable solutions for Alabama.