Have a Legal Question?

Get Free Answers From Experienced Lawyers!

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Alabama Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
Q: Is it legal to own domestic mink for a rescue in Alabama?

I am considering starting a nonprofit mink rescue in Alabama, adopting mink that have been subjected to fur farms. Is it legally permissible to own or possess domestic mink in Alabama for this purpose? Are there specific permits or regulations I need to be aware of to ensure compliance with state... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 26, 2025

Starting a mink rescue is a compassionate goal, but in Alabama, owning or keeping mink is subject to strict regulations. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) classifies mink as furbearers, and because they are native wildlife, their possession typically requires a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Animal / Dog Law, Municipal Law and Personal Injury for Alabama on
Q: Can I file a lawsuit against local police for harassment and cover-up?

I've been experiencing harassment from the local municipal police. My dog was baited, trapped, tortured, killed, and dumped, and it seems there's a cover-up involved. I've had a nervous breakdown resulting in hospitalization. The police have allegedly targeted me by serving notices... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 11, 2025

What you’ve described sounds deeply distressing, and you have every right to seek justice for what has happened. When the police are involved in possible misconduct or harassment, it’s important to approach the situation with clear documentation and a structured plan. Since you already have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Alabama on
Q: Can I press charges months after my mother set our house on fire?

In January of this year, my mother set our house on fire in Alabama while my father, two pets, and I were inside. We all escaped except for one pet. She was initially charged with felony arson class 1, but there have been no updates since. I have a witness to the incident and don't want her to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 12, 2025

You cannot independently press criminal charges in Alabama, as criminal cases are prosecuted by the state through the district attorney’s office. However, you can play an important role in the case by providing statements, witness testimony, and any evidence you have to support the prosecution.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Estate Planning for Alabama on
Q: Is my deceased neighbor's daughter legally the owner of the roaming dogs?

I am concerned about the status of three dogs owned by my deceased neighbor who passed away in 2023. Their children do not live at the property and have not been taking care of the dogs, which resulted in them roaming freely and looking for food. My wife and I have started feeding them, and they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 11, 2025

Yes, the deceased neighbor’s daughter is likely still considered the legal owner of the dogs. Ownership of pets typically passes according to the deceased person’s estate plan or, if there is no will, to heirs under state inheritance laws. Since the daughter has not relinquished her rights and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Alabama on
Q: Should I get representation for a dangerous dog hearing under Emily's Law in Alabama?

My dog got out of our home and bit a neighbor on the leg. It was a minor bite, and my dog has no history of biting or being vicious. Under Emily's Law in Alabama, I am facing a dangerous dog hearing, and I've decided to fight to keep my dog alive. Since the incident, my dog underwent a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 13, 2025

You're facing a difficult and emotional situation, and it's clear how much your dog means to you. Emily's Law in Alabama can have serious consequences, including the possibility of having your dog labeled as dangerous, which could lead to euthanasia. Even if the bite was minor and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Alabama on
Q: Neighbor's dog killed poultry and damaged pen. What legal options are in Alabama?

I live in Cherokee County, Alabama. My neighbor's dog has killed two of my ducks and two baby chicks and damaged the electric pen they were in. I have reported the incident to animal control, but they have not taken any action. There have been previous incidents with other dogs owned by my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025

What happened to your animals is heartbreaking, and it’s frustrating when authorities don’t take immediate action. In Alabama, state law allows you to hold the dog owner responsible for damage caused by their dog, especially when it involves livestock or poultry. Since you have photos of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Cannabis & Marijuana Law for Alabama on
Q: Is it risky to pet-sit at a friend's house who may possess more than the legal limit of marijuana?

I have agreed to pet-sit at a friend's house for a few days, during which I will walk his dog and sleep at his residence. He possesses marijuana legally up to 15 grams, but I suspect he has more than this limit. I have no intention of using or handling the marijuana. Am I at risk of legal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 5, 2025

You wouldn’t be committing a drug crime simply by staying at a friend’s house where marijuana is stored, since Alabama law requires proof that you knowingly possessed or controlled the substance. Under Alabama Code § 13A-12-214, possession of one ounce or less is a Class A misdemeanor, and §... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: What should I do for trial for receiving stolen property if I found a business' grocery cart off of the property for dog

Walking from Mississippi to Alabama with dog in cart

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 20, 2024

If you're facing trial for receiving stolen property after finding a grocery cart off a business property, it’s important to explain your situation clearly. Start by presenting the facts: you found the cart, used it for a practical purpose (walking your dog), and had no intention to steal.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability, Agricultural Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Alabama on
Q: Need a local Alabama lawyer to help sue dog food company and pet treat company that's product made my pets very ill
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 17, 2024

An Alabama attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. You could search for attorneys online and supplement your searches with the tab above, "Find a Lawyer." Local and state bar associations could also be a resource for locating attorneys within your area, Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Alabama on
Q: My neighbor's unleashed dogs attacked my cat on my property. Is my neighbor responsible for the vet bills incurred?

My cat ultimately died but not before I incured over $3200 in vet bills.

Don Oliver Keene
Don Oliver Keene
answered on Jun 14, 2023

Yes, but you will likely have to sue them in court to get them to pay for it. This sounds like you likely have a negligence claim against your neighbor because they caused you economic damage (the $3200 vet bills). The other thing that helps you here is that the dog attacked your cat on your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Alabama on
Q: Can I go to jail if I break up with my boyfriend and take my dog that he gave me with me

Can I go to jail if I take my dog with me whenever I move out for my boyfriend's house he gave me the dog but it's not his dog is mine what kind of proof do I need that she belongs to me and is there anything that he can do to me if I take my dog with me he don't take care of her and... View More

Erik Špila
Erik Špila
answered on Aug 23, 2022

Dear Mrs,

the proof of dog ownership should be available at your local vet station where dog should have been registered on his first medical examination. Also some cities hold their own records about dog owners, so contacting local city hall can also possibly help you. If you are the owner...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Alabama on
Q: I am buying a tibetan mastiff with an invisible fence on my 30 acre property if it bites a trespassing dog am I liable

My neighbors dogs routinely trespass and while I'm getting a docile breed I'm worried something may happen because dogs can be territorial and want to know if I need to build a real fence to protect myself from liability

Hunter Garnett
Hunter Garnett
answered on Feb 20, 2022

Generally, no. A dog owner is not liable if the dog attacks another dog that comes on the dog owner's property without the property owner/dog owner's permission.

If you were sued for damages and lost the case, the damages would be limited to the vet bills for the injured dog or...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Alabama on
Q: I have a dog I posted signs on my front porch Beware of dog a lady ignores the signs walks up on porch my dog bite her

Who responseable my dog is on a lesh she came on my property

Nelson Craig Johnson
Nelson Craig Johnson
answered on Sep 9, 2021

In Alabama there are typically three instances where an owner can be responsible for a dog biting someone. 1) if the dog has known dangerous or vicious propensities. 2) If the dog is a breed that is listed on a dangerous breed list. For the State of Alabama that is only Pit Bulls. Counties or... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Real Estate Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Alabama on
Q: Myself and 8 others own an undivided lot lot with boathouses and lake access. a new is using the lot. Can he w/o permi?

The new neighbor lives adjacent to our undivided lot and got the idea if he kept it up then they could use it for extra room when having get togethers. I am concerned about injuries and them claiming the lot for themselves since they kept it up and used it for all those years. Am I correct in... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 23, 2021

I believe you have answered you question: contact an attorney in your area, discuss your situation and/or give him the above post, and ask what to do/what does he recommend.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Alabama on
Q: Question about Pet custody.

In 2013 my husband and I purchased a family dog and of course let his daughter pick out and name the dog. Now she 17 and no longer comes to visit. Her Mother his ex wife is now suing us for custody of max the dog. she has no monetary ownership nor has the dog ever lived with her. they had been... View More

Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Dec 2, 2020

Probably not. She has no ownership interest. That said, people can sue for anything. The clerks at court do not have the authority (or time) to screen cases to see whether they are valid or not. The real question is whether the person filing the suit will win. Based on what you said, it sounds like... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Alabama on
Q: Can I shoot a dog for killingy cat on my property

Dog has killed other neiborhs animals but no proof

Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Nov 27, 2020

No. Call animal control to report the attack.

1 Answer | Asked in Wrongful Death, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Alabama on
Q: I think a vet clinic is responsible for the death of my cat, any advice?
Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Nov 25, 2020

You’ll have to either sue or file a complaint with your local licensing board.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Alabama on
Q: Found puppies in TN

Could I take them to a vet and get a health record? With them being found, they did not know anything about them. If taking to a vet will work, would it need to be in TN or would my AL vet work?

Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 20, 2020

You AL vet is fine.

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Alabama on
Q: Someone found puppies in the woods in TN & I live in AL. Can I take these puppies across state lines?

I agreed to come get the puppies so they were safe. He gave me his address and told me to come get them. Now someone else is wanting them so they are threatening me with court and police. Is there anything they can do since I have proof he told me to come get them and gave me his address?

Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 18, 2020

If you have agreement with the owner of the puppies that the puppies are yours, then they are yours. You can travel across state lines but make sure you have the proper health documents, too.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Alabama on
Q: My dog has gotten my dad's deceased girlfriend's dog pregnant again. Do I get custody of the puppies by default?

So last month my dad's girlfriend passed away. However my dog and her dog are mates and are about to have another litter of puppies. The girlfriend's two children were left her belongings and her stepbrother is the executor of the will. Legally am I entitled to the litter even though my... View More

Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 10, 2020

Generally, in breeding contract situations where all breeders are actively involved, siring the puppies would give you an ownership interest if that was contracted for. Usually, though, a "stud fee" is paid for the male dog's "performance" so to speak. It sounds like this... View More

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.