§ 4-8-21. Definitions
As used in this article, the term: “Classified dog” means any dog that has been classified as either a dangerous dog or vicious dog pursuant to this article. “Dangerous dog” means any dog that: Causes a substantial puncture of a person’s skin by teeth without causing serious injury; provided, however, that a nip, scratch, or […]
§ 4-8-22. Jurisdiction; Designation of Dog Control Officer; Consolidation of Services
A county’s jurisdiction for the enforcement of this article shall be the unincorporated area of the county and a municipality’s jurisdiction for such enforcement shall be the territory within the corporate limits of the municipality. The governing authority of each local government shall designate one or more individuals as dog control officers to aid in […]
§ 4-8-23. [Effective Until July 1, 2023] Investigations by Dog Control Officer; Notice to Owner; Hearings; Determinations by Hearing Authority; Judicial Review
For purposes of this Code section, the term: “Animal shelter” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 4-14-2. “Authority” means an animal control board or local board of health, as determined by the governing authority of a local government. “Mail” means to send by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to […]
§ 4-8-23. [Effective July 1, 2023] Investigations by Dog Control Officer; Notice to Owner; Hearings; Determinations by Hearing Authority; Judicial Review
For purposes of this Code section, the term: “Animal shelter” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 4-14-2. “Authority” means an animal control board or local board of health, as determined by the governing authority of a local government. “Mail” means to send by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to […]
§ 4-8-24. Impoundment
A law enforcement officer or dog control officer shall immediately impound a dog if the officer believes the dog poses a threat to the public safety. History. Code 1981, § 4-8-24 , enacted by Ga. L. 2012, p. 1290, § 4/HB 685. Law reviews. For article on the 2012 enactment of this Code section, see […]
§ 4-8-25. Court Ordered Euthanasia
The judge of any superior court of competent jurisdiction within this state may order the euthanasia of a dog if the court finds, after notice and opportunity for hearing as provided by Code Section 4-8-23, that the dog has seriously injured a human or presents a danger to humans not suitable for control under this […]
§ 4-8-26. Euthanasia for Dogs With Repeat Offenses
A dog that is found, after notice and opportunity for hearing as provided by Code Section 4-8-23, to have caused a serious injury to a human on more than one occasion shall be euthanized; provided, however, that no injury occurring before July 1, 2012, shall count for purposes of this Code section. History. Code 1981, […]
§ 4-8-27. Certificates of Registration; Requirements for Issuance of Certificate; Individuals Excluded From Receiving Registration; Limitation of Ownership; Annual Renewal
It shall be unlawful for an owner to have or possess within this state a classified dog without a certificate of registration issued in accordance with the provisions of this Code section. Certificates of registration shall be nontransferable and shall only be issued to a person 18 years of age or older. No more than […]
§ 4-8-28. Notifications by Owner; Change in Ownership of Dog; Changes in Residence
The owner of a classified dog shall notify the dog control officer within 24 hours if the dog is on the loose or has attacked a human and shall notify the dog control officer within 24 hours if the dog has died or has been euthanized. A vicious dog shall not be transferred, sold, or […]
§ 4-8-29. Limitations on Dog’s Presence Off of Owner’s Premises; Penalty for Violation; Defense
It shall be unlawful for an owner of a dangerous dog to permit the dog to be off the owner’s property unless: The dog is restrained by a leash not to exceed six feet in length and is under the immediate physical control of a person capable of preventing the dog from engaging any other […]