on September 10, 2026

Alabama Dog Poop Laws

Quick answer: Alabama has no statewide pooper scooper law. Picking up after your dog is regulated city by city, and two of the three largest cities we checked have an ordinance requiring it. Montgomery has no pickup ordinance at all. Birmingham publishes a set ticket of $50.

Why Alabama leaves it to cities

Alabama has no statewide dog-waste law. Ala. Code 11-47-110 gives cities and towns the power to regulate and prevent dogs and other animals running at large, and Ala. Code 11-45-9(b) caps most municipal ordinance fines at $500 and six months. Pickup rules exist only where a city adopts one, and Montgomery, the state capital, has not.

  • Cities and towns may regulate and prevent animals running at large: Ala. Code 11-47-110 (read it)
  • Municipal ordinance penalties: fine generally capped at $500, jail at six months: Ala. Code 11-45-9 (read it)

Pooper scooper laws in Alabama's largest cities

Each row comes from the city's own municipal code. "Up to" is the most a court can impose, not a standard ticket. Where a city publishes no amount, we say so rather than estimate one.

City Ordinance Fine Must carry a bag
Huntsville Huntsville Code of Ordinances Sec. 5-48 (Duty of owner for removal of feces); Ord. No. 95-693, Ord. No. 18-952A (11-1-2018) $25 to $500 No
Birmingham Birmingham General Code Sec. 6-1-15 (Excretion of dogs); Ord. No. 02-142 (10-1-2002) $50 Yes
Montgomery No pickup ordinance None No

The rule people miss: carrying the bag

In Birmingham, the law does not just require you to pick up. It requires you to be carrying something to pick up with, so walking out without a bag can be an offense on its own even if your dog never goes.

A bag holder on the leash solves that for good. Ours is the Walk Dispenser, which clips on and holds a full roll.

Worth knowing about Alabama

  • Montgomery, the state capital and one of Alabama's three largest cities, has no dog-waste pickup ordinance in its current code.
  • Huntsville's pickup ordinance can only be prosecuted on a sworn affidavit and a warrant from a municipal judge or magistrate.
  • Birmingham's code states two different amounts for the same offense: $50 in 6-1-15(d) and $100 in the magistrate fine schedule (8-3-10). Birmingham also requires carrying bags.

Common questions

Is it illegal to not pick up dog poop in Alabama?

There is no statewide law, so it depends on where you are. It is illegal in Huntsville and Birmingham, but Montgomery has no pickup ordinance. Check your own city or county code, and remember property owners can still act against you.

How much is the fine for not picking up dog poop in Alabama?

It depends on the city. Huntsville: $25 to $500. Birmingham: $50. Montgomery does not publish an amount.

Do I have to carry a poop bag in Alabama?

In Birmingham, yes. The ordinance requires you to have a means of removal with you while walking your dog.

Are service dog handlers exempt?

In Birmingham, the ordinance exempts handlers who have a disability and cannot physically pick up. The exemption covers the handler, not the dog.

Other states in the South

Texas · Florida · Georgia · North Carolina · Virginia · Tennessee · Maryland · South Carolina

See all 50 states · How scoop laws work in general

Sources

Checked 2026-09-10. Ordinances change, so if you are dealing with an actual citation, read the current code at the link rather than relying on this page.

This page is general information, not legal advice.