Hey everyone, it is Neil West with the City of Hamilton, within the Ordinance Department. I hope that everybody has had an awesome summer and are looking forward to the upcoming Fall Season. The morning and evening temperatures say that Fall is just around the corner!

The reason that I am reaching out to the citizens of Hamilton is to remind them of some of the Animal Ordinances that Hamilton has on the books, particularly on the subject of Dogs. Hopefully with this reminded information, we can work together as a team or a united City of Hamilton to take better care of the dogs that we already own and also to help decrease the number of stray dogs that the city is facing today. If you own a dog(s), have the responsibility of taking care of a dog, possibly pet sitting, or even just thinking about getting a dog and doing your homework first, please continue to read.

All City Ordinances are important in their own special way according to the topic of discussion. But, on the topic of dogs, the most important is not an Ordinance, but an Alabama State Law. Once an owned dog reaches three months old, a regular yearly rabies vaccination is required. Also, along with the required vaccination, is a dog collar. A dog collar is the first identifying feature that separates an owned dog versus a stray dog. In most cases, you can easily tell the difference whether it is an owned dog or stray, even from a distance. This is very good information to know upfront no matter what the situation is. The dog collar should have the pet’s name, the owner’s name and address, along with their telephone number. It should also have the up-to-date vaccination metal tag hanging from the collar, in which it would have all the information about that particular vaccine given to the dog. This pertinent information will be helpful to relocate the dog back to its rightful owner, should it wander away from the owner’s property and is picked up by animal control.

Hamilton does have a “No Free Roaming Dog” ordinance along with keeping the dog “Confined or Restricted” to the owner’s property. This simply means that if you own a dog, it must stay within the owner’s property lines. There are several options that an owner can take to keep their dog confined or restricted to their property such as, keeping the dog inside their home, a fenced-in area, a crate or kennel, there are different kinds of leashes, as well as different kinds of shock collar systems, whether that is in-the-ground or above ground system. The owner would simply choose what would be the best for them and their dog depending on the dog breed and the amount of room or area that the owner has. For an example, if the owner has several acres of land versus living in an apartment.

Hamilton also has a Leash Law. This means that an owner can take their dog off their property or regularly kept premises, if it is secured on a leash or harness and is in full control of the owner at all times. If the dog is aggressive, mean, or vicious, then it will need to be securely muzzled and restrained by a chain or leash, and under the physical control of the person in charge of the dog. (There are also special requirements for such dogs, vicious, at its residence) NO EXCEPTIONS.

With the increasing concerns of owned, free roaming dogs, the number of stray dogs rising, and the increase of Hamilton’s diverse population, these ordinances or laws, are more important today as ever before. If an owner’s dog wanders off its property, it could be subject to being picked-up and taken to an animal shelter. Then the owner of the dog will be responsible for any and all costs associated with the boarding and care of the dog at the shelter, updated vaccinations, and any veterinary fees incurred by the city in providing necessary medical treatment to the dog. Also, any court costs that may be set for violating the said ordinances. This has become a serious matter and we have to get a handle on the situation.

Last, but not least, PLEASE DO NOT FEED the stray dogs at any businesses within the city limits of Hamilton. I know that everybody’s heart is in the right place, but it is one of the worst things you can do. A person who feeds or leaves food for a stray dog, then goes home, leaves the aftermath to the remaining employees and customers that are still at the business. This also gives the stray dog false hope of someone taking care of it, so it hangs around for the next meal. Then, before you know it, one dog turns into three dogs and so on. This is not including a “mama” dog who is going to have a litter of puppies. One dog can turn into ten dogs very quickly. Hopefully everyone can understand the concerning issue here. If a person feels bad for a stray dog and really wants to help, please take it home with you, if and only if, you are going to give it a loving home. All dogs deserve a second chance if they are not aggressive or vicious. Be vigilant of those type dogs.

In summary, make sure that your dog has its updated rabies vaccination, wears a dog collar, stays within the owner’s property lines, is on a leash, chain, harness, and muzzled (when required) when leaving the owner’s property, do not feed any stray dogs at any businesses within the city limits of Hamilton, and have your dog spayed or neutered when it makes common sense.

This article was written with a full heart, open arms, and an open line of communication where you can reach me, Neil West, with any questions, comments, or concerns, at Hamilton City Hall, at 205-921-2121. If I am out of the office, please leave me a voicemail with your name, number, and a brief message and I will call you back as soon as possible. You can also read the ordinances in their entirety on the City of Hamilton’s website under Ordinances-Animals.

I want to thank all citizens of Hamilton in working together with these dog issues to reach our common goal of a safer Hamilton. God bless you all!