Alabama lawmaker working to crack down on animal cruelty

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) says his constituents are calling for legislation that ensures dogs in the state of Alabama are treated fairly.

He said his bill would bring new standards for owners who keep their dogs outside or tethered.

"It is just a way to say, 'look, if you're going to be a dog owner, there are responsible and reasonable requirements that you have to abide by,'" Rep. Ensler explained.

That means making sure your dog has adequate food and shelter - especially in the cold weather.

"We do this for children, we do this if you're gonna own other property," said. Rep. Ensler. "There are always requirements around making sure it's done in a decent and fair way."

Steven Tears, executive director of the Montgomery Humane Society, said they come across tethered dogs regularly. While some have adequate resources and shelters, he said not all do.

"You know, whether it's a dog they're not able to contain within the fence, or the single mom of three that has it tied close to the front door for protection, to those of just- lack of education or knowledge," explained Tears.

Tears said he supports anything that's going to improve animal welfare.

"All animal welfare is only as strong as the community. So, the problem is a community problem," he said. "And it takes a community to solve it- using your voice, making a phone call."

Dr. Tony Frazier, the state veterinarian with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, said they've gotten some calls about horses being tied to the roadside to graze.

"Even to take advantage of, I guess, forages that may be out there. That's unacceptable outside the current statute as it is written," Dr. Frazier said.

While there is no statute for dogs, Dr. Frazier said it's hard to keep them in acceptable environments without proper oversight.

"Staking or tethering a dog to a tree or whatever in the summertime is, in my opinion, not respectful of the animal," he said.

Rep. Ensler said the bill is still in the drafting stages. He hopes to file it sometime during the upcoming legislative session that starts on Feb. 4th.