Huntsville, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Madison County has introduced a new policy requiring residents outside Huntsville city limits to contact Madison County Animal Control before bringing in stray animals to the Huntsville Animal Services. This measure aims to manage the influx of stray animals and alleviate overcrowding at the shelter, which currently cares for nearly 90 dogs. The policy also emphasizes community involvement and support for vulnerable animals, alongside an expanded foster radius to increase adoption rates.
Huntsville — A new policy in Madison County mandates that residents living outside the Huntsville city limits must contact Madison County Animal Control before bringing stray animals to Huntsville Animal Services. This executive measure was introduced to manage the high volume of stray animals entering the shelter, which reports that between 35 to 40 percent of its annual intake comes from areas beyond the city.
Under this policy, residents are required to call Madison County Animal Control at 256-532-1519 or visit their facility located at 3210 NE S Hi-Lo Circle D, Huntsville, AL 35811 prior to turning in any stray pets. This regulation also extends to cats involved in the Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) program. Huntsville Animal Services is committed to collaborating with Madison County Animal Control to ensure that stray and homeless animals receive appropriate care.
In an effort to alleviate overcrowding and save more lives of abandoned animals, Huntsville Animal Services has expanded its foster radius, allowing foster homes within a 20-mile distance from the shelter. Officials firmly believe that this change will facilitate greater connectivity in fostering, ultimately increasing adoption rates and improving outcomes for stray animals.
Recently, the shelter faced an imminent threat of euthanizing some dogs due to severe overcrowding, as it was accommodating over 100 dogs in a space designed for only 75. Following an urgent announcement about the situation, many dogs were adopted or fostered, reducing the immediate risk of euthanasia. However, the shelter has once again found itself in an overcapacity predicament, now caring for almost 90 dogs and managing nearly 200 animals, including cats. The cramped conditions have begun to cause stress among the dogs, which are housed in restrictive kennels with insufficient individual space.
Efforts to find homes for these animals remain ongoing, with each successful adoption celebrated by the shelter staff. Earlier this month, officers discovered seven abandoned puppies outside the shelter. The puppies, who were initially frightened and weak, have since thrived in foster homes, drawing attention to the vital importance of fostering and adoption programs in addressing the ongoing crisis.
The recent changes at Huntsville Animal Services stand as a proactive effort to manage the ongoing issue of stray animal intake while emphasizing community involvement and support for these vulnerable populations. As the shelter works closely with Madison County Animal Control, the hopes are high that this policy and expanded foster radius will lead to better outcomes for countless animals in need.
FAQ
What is the new policy for stray animals in Huntsville?
A new policy in Madison County requires residents outside Huntsville city limits to contact Madison County Animal Control before bringing stray animals to Huntsville Animal Services.
Where should residents call or go to report stray animals?
Residents must call Madison County Animal Control at 256-532-1519 or visit their facility at 3210 NE S Hi-Lo Circle D, Huntsville, AL 35811 before turning in any stray pets.
What percentage of animal intake at Huntsville Animal Services comes from outside the city?
Huntsville Animal Services reports that 35-40% of its annual intake comes from areas outside the city.
What does the new policy apply to aside from dogs?
This policy also applies to cats involved in the Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) program.
What efforts are being made to alleviate overcrowding at the shelter?
Huntsville Animal Services has expanded its foster radius to allow foster homes within 20 miles of the shelter, making fostering more accessible.
What was the recent situation regarding abandoned puppies?
Earlier this month, officers discovered seven abandoned puppies outside the shelter, who were subsequently rescued and fostered.
How many dogs is the Huntsville Animal Shelter currently caring for?
As of now, the shelter is caring for nearly 90 dogs and was previously managing nearly 200 animals, including cats.
Key Features of the New Policy
| Policy Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Contact Requirement | Residents outside city limits must call Madison County Animal Control before bringing in any strays. |
| Percentage of Intake | 35-40% of annual intake at Huntsville Animal Services comes from outside the city. |
| Service Contact | Call 256-532-1519 or visit at 3210 NE S Hi-Lo Circle D, Huntsville, AL 35811. |
| Fostering Radius | Expanded to 20 miles from the shelter to encourage more foster homes. |
| Current Dog Count | Currently caring for nearly 90 dogs, previously managing nearly 200 animals. |
| ADA Progress | Efforts in place to celebrate each adoption and foster connection made. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Rocket City Now
- Wikipedia: Animal Control
- WAFF
- Google Search: Huntsville Animal Services
- The Dodo
- Google Scholar: Animal Shelter Overcrowding
- WAFF
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Shelters
- AL.com
- Google News: Animal Shelter Huntsville
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
