Alabama has one of the clearest state-level frameworks in the country for handling dogs that injure people. Known as the Dangerous Dog Procedure Act — commonly called Emily’s Law — it lays out a formal legal process to classify a dog as “dangerous” and impose penalties on owners whose dogs pose a threat to public safety. Whether you are the owner of a dog under investigation or someone trying to understand what comes next after an incident, knowing how this law works can make a significant difference in how you respond.
Emily’s Law was passed in 2018 in memory of Emily Colvin, a woman from Jackson County, Alabama, who tragically lost her life in a dog attack. Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law on March 8, 2018, and it officially went into effect on June 1, 2018 — before which only select cities and counties in Alabama had ordinances for handling aggressive dogs, leaving many jurisdictions without a consistent legal framework.
This guide walks you through every stage of the dangerous dog declaration process in Alabama, from the legal definition of a dangerous dog to the penalties you may face if you violate a court order…