§ 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 […]
§ 4-8-30. Confiscation by Dog Control Officer; Payment of Costs for Recovery; Euthanasia
A dangerous dog or vicious dog shall be immediately confiscated by any dog control officer or by a law enforcement officer in the case of any violation of this article. A refusal to surrender a dog subject to confiscation shall be a violation of this article. The owner of any dog that has been confiscated […]
§ 4-8-31. Governmental Liability for Enforcement
Under no circumstances shall a local government or any employee or official of a local government be held liable for any damages to any person who suffers an injury inflicted by a dog as a result of a failure to enforce the provisions of this article. History. Code 1981, § 4-8-31 , enacted by Ga. […]
§ 4-8-32. Penalty for Violation
Except as otherwise specified in this article, any person who violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. History. Code 1981, § 4-8-32 , enacted by Ga. L. 2012, p. 1290, § 4/HB 685. Law reviews. For article on the 2012 enactment of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U.L. […]
§ 4-8-33. Application and Compliance
Any dog classified prior to July 1, 2012, as a potentially dangerous dog in this state shall on and after that date be classified as a dangerous dog under this article. Any dog classified prior to July 1, 2012, as a dangerous dog or vicious dog in this state shall on and after that date […]
§ 4-8-20. Short Title
This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Responsible Dog Ownership Law.” History. Code 1981, § 4-8-20 , enacted by Ga. L. 2012, p. 1290, § 4/HB 685. Law reviews. For article on the 2012 enactment of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 180 (2012).
§ 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 […]