How to Address Issues

How to Report a Concern or Violation

• Dog confinement is required in all of Blount County. The state law, which was adopted by the County in 2024, and/or a municipal ordinance is enforced in every part of the county. If your neighbor allows his dog to roam, you can report the violation.
• Cruelty, abuse, or neglect laws apply to all of Alabama and include insufficient shelter, water, food, or veterinary care; abandonment; hoarding; or harm without legal cause. Learn about the laws and how to report cruelty.
• Animal hoarding more often than not results in abuse, suffering, and death of animals as well as major impacts to the caretaker, child or adult dependents, neighbors, and the larger community. Situations become increasingly severe until they are reported. Recognize the signs and if you believe someone you know is an animal hoarder, report now.
• When an off-premises dog harm chickens or livestock, Alabama law holds the dog owner responsible for the damages, and for a second incident, for twice the damages.
• Lost, stray, or abandoned animals can be addressed in different ways. Whatever you do, be aware of legal implications before you re-home an animal.
• For more information and additional requirements and prohibitions, see this overview of Alabama companion animal law.

Where to report? See Local Laws.