Alabama § 3-5-2 - Permitting Livestock or Animals to Run at Large Upon Premises of Another or Upon Public Lands, Highways, Etc.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 3-5-2 — Permitting Livestock or Animals to Run at Large Upon Premises of Another or Upon Public Lands, Highways, Etc., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-5-2. Permitting Livestock or Animals to Run at Large Upon Premises of Another or Upon Public Lands, Highways, Etc.
(a) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any livestock or animal, as defined in Section 3-5-1, to knowingly, voluntarily, negligently, or wilfully permit any such livestock or animal to run at large in the State of Alabama either upon the premises of another or upon the public lands, highways, roads, or streets in the State of Alabama.
(b) Nothing in this section or elsewhere in this chapter shall be construed to make it unlawful for livestock or other animals to run at large on the premises of another when the owner or person in charge of the premises has consented in writing to allow livestock or other animals to run at large on the premises.
(c) There shall be no “open range” counties in this state. This section shall apply to all counties within the state.
(d) Any person or persons owning or having the possession, custody, or control of any livestock who unlawfully and knowingly permit the same to run or be at large, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction, shall be fined not less than double the damages sustained by the injured party or parties, but in no case more than fifty dollars ($50), one half of such fine to go to the injured party or parties, and may also be imprisoned in the county jail or sentenced to hard labor for the county for a term not exceeding six months at the discretion of the court trying the case.
(e) No municipal governing body may adopt or continue in effect any ordinance, rule, resolution, or other directive that is inconsistent with this section. For purposes of this subsection, an ordinance, rule, resolution, or directive shall be considered inconsistent with this section if it proscribes the same conduct prohibited by this section and provides no requisite mental state or a mental state different than what is provided in subsection (a) or (d).
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 3-5-2
What does Code of Alabama § 3-5-2 cover?
Section 3-5-2 ("Permitting Livestock or Animals to Run at Large Upon Premises of Another or Upon Public Lands, Highways, Etc.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 3-5-2?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 3-5-2" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 3-5-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.