November 2023

Kelly Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison

The City Council of Gadsden, Alabama, made owning an intact cat or dog more expensive to address the “unchecked reproduction” of animals in the city. On October 10, 2023, officials adopted an amendment to its animal ordinance that included a threefold plan: registration, licensing, and “commercial” breeder permits.

City registration for any cat and dog older than six months is now required. Owners, or the people in charge of the animal, must provide Information about the cat or dog, the owner, and valid proof of rabies vaccination to register it. They shall also obtain an annual or lifetime license (for sterilized animals only). Again, proof of rabies vaccination is required. An exception exists for a cat or dog “registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or similar registry recognized by the Division” that has been actively shown and competed in an event hosted by AKC within the past year. Other exemptions exist as well, such as if the animal’s health contraindicates sterilization. License fees range from $5.00 to $50.00.

Annual commercial breeder permits are also required for each unsterilized cat or dog over six months of age kept for commercial breeding in addition to the breeder’s regular business license. Anyone that “breeds one or more domestic cat(s) or dog(s) or offers one or more domestic cat(s) or dog(s) for breeding or stud purposes, producing three or more litters per year, or offers kittens or puppies that are a result of such breeding for sale” is a commercial breeder. The permits cost $200.00.

Gadsden is a small city of almost 34,000 people located about 60 miles northeast of Birmingham. It is the county seat of Etowah County.