Source: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ga-dog-consolidated-dog-laws
Timestamp: 2019-08-19 01:43:32
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Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 26', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§ 16', '§ 50', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§ 16', '§ 50', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', 'art 1', '§ 16', '§ 26', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§ 27', 'art 2', '§ 27', '§ 50', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 7', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 15', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 45', 'art 1', '§ 1', '§ 47', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 58', '§ 1', '§ 11', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 13', '§ 1', '§ 57', '§ 1', '§ 59', '§ 1', '§ 49', '§ 45', '§ 2', '§ 50']

GA - Dog - Consolidated Dog Laws | Animal Legal & Historical Center
Full Statute Name: West's Code of Georgia Annotated. Title 4. Animals; Title 16. Crimes and Offenses; Title 27. Game and Fish.
Primary Citation: Ga. Code Ann., § 4-8-1 - 45; Ga. Code Ann., § 4-14-1 - 4-15-1; Ga. Code Ann., § 26-2-160; Ga. Code Ann., § 27-3-16 - 18; § 27-3-49; Ga. Code Ann., § 16-11-107 - 107.1; Ga. Code Ann., § 50-3-88 Country of Origin: United States Last Checked: October, 2018 Alternate Citation: GA ST § 4-8-1 to 45; GA ST § 4-14-1 to 4-15-1; GA ST § 27-3-16 to 18; § 27-3-49; GA ST § 16-11-107 - 107.1; GA ST § 50-3-88
These Georgia statutes comprise the state's dog laws and the "Responsible Dog Ownership Law.". Among the provisions of the Responsible Dog Ownership Law include a requirement for registration of dangerous dogs as well as the necessity of such owner to carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance. Owners of these dogs who do not comply with these and other provisions may have their dogs confiscated and destroyed. Any person who violates this article is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Links on other pages:
Dog bite/strict liability law
Title 4. Animals. Chapter 8. Dogs.
§ 4-8-1 . Dumping dead dog on property of another
§ 4-8-1.2. Hunting dogs
§ 4-8-2 . Dumping dead dog on public property or public right-of-way
§ 4-8-3 . Abandoning dogs
§ 4-8-4 . Liability for damage done by dogs
§ 4-8-5 . Performing cruel acts on, or harming, maiming or killing dogs
§ 4-8-6 . Permitting female dog in heat to roam free
§ 4-8-6.1 . Removal of dog collar; permission
§ 4-8-7 . Violations relating to dogs
Article 2. Dangerous Dog Control
§ 4-8-20 . Short title
§ 4-8-21 . Definitions
§ 4-8-22 . Jurisdiction for enforcement; designation and duties of dog control officer; agreements for dog control services
§ 4-8-23 . Classification of vicious or dangerous dog; notice; hearing; judicial review
§ 4-8-24 . Impoundment; threat to public safety
§ 4-8-25 . Judge authorized to order euthanasia
§ 4-8-26 . Euthanasia for causing serious injury on more than one occasion
§ 4-8-27 . Issuance of certificate of registration
§ 4-8-28 . Duties and prohibitions for owner of a classified dog
§ 4-8-29 . Unlawful acts by owner of a dangerous or vicious dog; violations
§ 4-8-30 . Confiscation of dangerous or vicious dog; noncompliance with articleArticle 3. Vicious Dog Control.
§ 4-8-31. Sovereign immunity
§ 4-8-32. Violation a criminal penalty
§ 4-8-33. Previously classified
§§ 4-8-40 to 4-8-45. Repealed by Laws 2012, Act 765, § 5, eff. July 1, 2012
Chapter 14. Sterilization of Dogs and Cats in Shelters
§ 4-14-1 . Legislative intent
§ 4-14-2 . Definitions
§ 4-14-3 . Procedure for sterilization; exception; costs#s27_3_16
§ 4-14-4 . Violations
§ 4-14-5 . More stringent shelter policies not prohibited
Chapter 15. Dog and Cat Reproductive Sterilization Support.
§ 4-15-1 . Dog and cat reproductive sterilization support program
Title 16. Crimes and Offenses. Chapter 11. Offenses Against Public Order and Safety. Article 4. Dangerous Instrumentalities and Practices. Part 1. General Provisions
§ 16-11-107. 16-11-107. Harming a law enforcement animal
Title 26. Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. Chapter 2. Standards, Labeling, and Adulteration of Food. Article 4. Advertisement and Sale of Meat Generally
§ 26-2-160. Sale of dog meat for human consumption prohibited; sale for other purposes
Title 27. Game and Fish. Chapter 1. General Provisions
§ 27-1-7. Technical assistance for control or elimination of wild or abandoned dogs
Title 27. Game and Fish. Chapter 3. Wildlife Generally. Article 1. Hunting.
§ 27-3-16. Training hunting dogs
§ 27-3-17. Hunting deer with dogs; permits
§ 27-3-18. Hunting foxes with dogs permitted; permission of landowner necessary
Part 2. Deer
§ 27-3-49. Killing of dogs running deer; freedom from liability
West's Code of Georgia Annotated. Title 50. State Government. Chapter 3. State Flag, Seal, and Other Symbols. Article 3. Other State Symbols
§ 50-3-88. Official state dog; adoptable dog
§ 4-8-1. Dumping dead dog on property of another
Laws 1969, p. 831, § 1; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 1, eff. July 1, 2012.
Any domestic dog that is registered with the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club as a sporting breed group dog, hound breed group dog, or nonsporting breed group dog or that is of a breed used in the lawful pursuit of hunting in this state pursuant to Title 27, that is used during an established hunting season to aid an individual to pursue or hunt wildlife, and whose owner or other member of the household has a hunting permit from the Department of Natural Resources shall be classified as a hunting dog, and the owner of any such dog shall receive the same registration, licensing, or permitting fee from any local government as is available to owners of dogs which have been spayed or neutered. Nothing in this Code section shall affect the ability of local governments to deal with vicious dogs, abandoned dogs, or stray dogs.
Laws 2016, Act 366, § 1, eff. July 1, 2016.
§ 4-8-2. Dumping dead dog on public property or public right-of-way
Laws 1969, p. 831, § 2.
§ 4-8-3. Abandoning dogs
Laws 1969, p. 831, § 3.
§ 4-8-4. Liability for damage done by dogs
(a) The owner or, if no owner can be found, the custodian exercising care and control over any dog which while off the owner's or custodian's property causes injury, death, or damage directly or indirectly to any livestock, poultry, or pet animal shall be civilly liable to the owner of the livestock, poultry, or pet animal for injury, death, or damage caused by the dog. The owner or, if no owner can be found, the custodian exercising care and control over any dog shall be liable for any damage caused by such dog to public or private property. The liability of the owner or custodian of the dog shall include consequential damages.
Laws 1969, p. 831, § 4; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 2, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 4-8-5. Performing cruel acts on, or harming, maiming or killing dogs
(1) Defend his or her person or property, or the person or property of another, from injury or damage being caused by a dog; or
(2) Kill any dog causing injury or damage to any livestock, poultry, or pet animal.
Laws 1969, p. 831, § 5; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 3, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 4-8-6. Permitting female dog in heat to roam free
Laws 1969, p. 831, § 6.
§ 4-8-6.1. Removal of dog collar; permission
(a) For the purposes of this Code section, the term “collar” means any electronic or radio transmitting collar that has the purpose of tracking the location of a dog.
(b) No person shall remove a collar from a dog without permission from the dog's owner with the intention of preventing or hindering the owner from locating such dog, and if such dog is lost or killed as a result of the violator's removal of such collar, the violator shall be required to pay the dog's owner restitution in the amount of the actual value of the dog and any associated veterinary expenses.
Laws 2008, Act 540, § 1, eff. July 1, 2008.
§ 4-8-7. Violations relating to dogs
Laws 1969, p. 831, § 7; Laws 1988, p. 824, § 1; Laws 2000, p. 754, § 3.
§ 4-8-20. Short title
Laws 1988, p. 824, § 2; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 4-8-21. Definitions
(1) “Classified dog” means any dog that has been classified as either a dangerous dog or vicious dog pursuant to this article.
(2) “Dangerous dog” means any dog that:
(A) Causes a substantial puncture of a person's skin by teeth without causing serious injury; provided, however, that a nip, scratch, or abrasion shall not be sufficient to classify a dog as dangerous under this subparagraph;
(C) While off the owner's property, kills a pet animal; provided, however, that this subparagraph shall not apply where the death of such pet animal is caused by a dog that is working or training as a hunting dog, herding dog, or predator control dog.
(4) “Owner” means any natural person or any legal entity, including, but not limited to, a corporation, partnership, firm, or trust owning, possessing, harboring, keeping, or having custody or control of a dog. In the case of a dog owned by a minor, the term “owner” includes the parents or person in loco parentis with custody of the minor.
(6) “Vicious dog” means a dog that inflicts serious injury on a person or causes serious injury to a person resulting from reasonable attempts to escape from the dog's attack.
(b) No dog shall be classified as a dangerous dog or vicious dog for actions that occur while the dog is being used by a law enforcement or military officer to carry out the law enforcement or military officer's official duties. No dog shall be classified as a dangerous dog or a vicious dog if the person injured by such dog was a person who, at the time, was committing a trespass, was abusing the dog, or was committing or attempting to commit an offense under Chapter 5 of Title 16.
Laws 1988, p. 824, § 2; Laws 1989, p. 159, § 1; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 4-8-22. Jurisdiction for enforcement; designation and duties of dog control officer; agreements for dog control services
(a) 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.
Laws 1988, p. 824, § 2; Laws 2000, p. 1238, § 1; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012; Laws 2014, Act 554, § 1, eff. July 1, 2014.
§ 4-8-23. Classification of vicious or dangerous dog; notice; hearing; judicial review
(3) “Mail” means to send by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to the recipient's last known address.
(b) Upon receiving a report of a dog believed to be subject to classification as a dangerous dog or vicious dog within a dog control officer's jurisdiction, the dog control officer shall make such investigations as necessary to determine whether such dog is subject to classification as a dangerous dog or vicious dog.
(c) When a dog control officer determines that a dog is subject to classification as a dangerous dog or vicious dog, the dog control officer shall mail a dated notice to the dog's owner within 72 hours. Such notice shall include a summary of the dog control officer's determination and shall state that the owner has a right to request a hearing from the authority on the dog control officer's determination within seven days after the date shown on the notice; provided, however, that if an authority has not been established for the jurisdiction, the owner shall be informed of the right to request a hearing from the probate court for such jurisdiction where the dog was found or confiscated within seven days after the date shown on the notice. The notice shall provide a form for requesting the hearing and shall state that if a hearing is not requested within the allotted time, the dog control officer's determination shall become effective for all purposes under this article. If an owner cannot be located within ten days of a dog control officer's determination that a dog is subject to classification as a dangerous dog or vicious dog, such dog may be released to an animal shelter or humanely euthanized, as determined by the dog control officer.
(d) When a hearing is requested by a dog owner in accordance with subsection (c) of this Code section, such hearing shall be scheduled within 30 days after the request is received; provided, however, that such hearing may be continued by the authority or probate court for good cause shown. At least ten days prior to the hearing, the authority or probate court conducting the hearing shall mail to the dog owner written notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing. At the hearing, the dog owner shall be given the opportunity to testify and present evidence and the authority or probate court conducting the hearing shall receive other evidence and testimony as may be reasonably necessary to sustain, modify, or overrule the dog control officer's determination.
(f) Judicial review of the authority's final decision may be had in accordance with Code Section 15-9-30.9. Judicial review of a probate court's final decision shall be in accordance with Code Section 5-3-2 and costs shall be paid as provided in Code Section 5-3-22.
Laws 1988, p. 824, § 2; Laws 1989, p. 159, § 2; Laws 2000, p. 1589, § 3; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012; Laws 2014, Act 554, § 2, eff. July 1, 2014.
§ 4-8-24. Impoundment; threat to public safety
Laws 1988, p. 824, § 2; Laws 2000, p. 1589, § 3; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 4-8-25. Judge authorized to order euthanasia
Laws 1988, p. 824, § 2; Laws 1989, p. 159, § 3; Laws 1989, p. 1552, § 15; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 4-8-26. Euthanasia for causing serious injury on more than one occasion
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 subsection.
§ 4-8-27. Issuance of certificate of registration
(1) The owner has maintained an enclosure designed to securely confine the dangerous dog on the owner's property, indoors, or in a securely locked and enclosed pen, fence, or structure suitable to prevent the dangerous dog from leaving such property; and
(2) Clearly visible warning signs have been posted at all entrances to the premises where the dog resides;
(1) The owner has maintained an enclosure designed to securely confine the vicious dog on the owner's property, indoors, or in a securely locked and enclosed pen, fence, or structure suitable to prevent the vicious dog from leaving such property;
(3) A felony involving trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, marijuana, methamphetamine, or ecstasy as provided for in Code Sections 16-13-31 and 16-13-31.1
from the time of conviction until two years after completion of his or her sentence, nor to any person residing with such person.
§ 4-8-28. Duties and prohibitions for owner of a classified dog
§ 4-8-29. Unlawful acts by owner of a dangerous or vicious dog; violations
(a) It shall be unlawful for an owner of a dangerous dog to permit the dog to be off the owner's property unless:
(1) Outside an enclosure designed to securely confine the vicious dog while on the owner's property or outside a securely locked and enclosed pen, fence, or structure suitable to prevent the vicious dog from leaving such property unless:
(A) The dog is muzzled and 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 human or animal when necessary; or
Laws 1988, p. 824, § 2; Laws 1989, p. 159, § 4; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 4-8-30. Confiscation of dangerous or vicious dog; noncompliance with article
Laws 1989, p. 159, § 5; Laws 2012, Act 765, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012; Laws 2014, Act 554, § 3, eff. July 1, 2014.
Laws 2012, Act 765, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012.
Article 3. Vicious Dog Control.
§ 4-14-1. Legislative intent
The General Assembly finds that the breeding of dogs and cats acquired from public or private animal shelters, animal control agencies operated by political subdivisions of this state, humane societies, or public or private animal refuges in the State of Georgia results in the birth of thousands of animals who become strays, suffer privation and death, constitute a public nuisance and health hazard, and, ultimately, are impounded and destroyed at great public expense. It is therefore declared to be the public policy of this state that preventing the breeding of dogs and cats acquired from such shelters, animal control agencies, humane societies, or public or private animal refuges be encouraged.
Laws 1994, p. 999, § 1.
(1) “Animal shelter” means any facility operated by or under contract for the state or any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the state for the purpose of impounding or harboring seized, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted dogs, cats, and other animals; any veterinary hospital or clinic operated by a veterinarian or veterinarians which operates for such purpose in addition to its customary purposes; and any facility operated, owned, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, or other nonprofit organization for the purpose of providing for and promoting the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals.
(2) “Humane society” means any unincorporated nonprofit organization existing for the purpose of prevention of cruelty to animals.
(3) “Public or private animal refuge” means harborers of unwanted animals of any breed, including crossbreeds, who provide food, shelter, and confinement for a group of dogs, a group of cats, or a combination of dogs and cats.
(4) “Sexually mature animal” means any dog or cat that has reached the age of 180 days or six months or more.
(5) “Sterilization” means rendering a dog or cat unable to reproduce by the surgical removal of its reproductive organs or by rendering a dog unable to reproduce by intratesticular injection approved by the federal government pursuant to 21 U.S.C. Section 360 as of March 7, 2014.
Laws 1994, p. 999, § 1; Laws 2014, Act 554, § 4, eff. July 1, 2014.
§ 4-14-3. Procedure for sterilization; exception; costs
(a) Any public or private animal shelter, animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state, humane society, or public or private animal refuge shall make provisions for the sterilization of all dogs or cats acquired from such shelter, agency, society, or refuge by:
(2) Entering into a written agreement with the person acquiring such animal guaranteeing that sterilization will be performed by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days after acquisition of such animal in the case of an adult animal or within 30 days of the sexual maturity of the animal in the case of an immature animal;
provided, however, that the requirements of this Code section shall not apply to any privately owned animal which any such shelter, agency, society, or refuge may have in its possession for any reason if the owner of such animal claims or presents evidence that such animal is the property of such person.
(b) All costs of sterilization pursuant to this Code section shall be the responsibility of the person acquiring such animal and, if performed prior to acquisition, may be included in any fees charged by the shelter, agency, society, or refuge for such animal.
(c) Any person acquiring an animal from a public or private animal shelter, animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state, humane society, or public or private animal refuge, which animal is not sterile at the time of acquisition, shall submit to the animal shelter, animal control agency, humane society, or public or private animal refuge a signed statement from the licensed veterinarian performing the sterilization required by paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section within seven days after such sterilization attesting that such sterilization has been performed.
(d) Every public or private animal shelter, animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state, humane society, or public or private animal refuge selling or offering for sale or exchange any dog or cat shall maintain and furnish to any person acquiring an animal from such shelter, agency, society, or refuge a current list of veterinarians licensed in this state who have notified the shelter, agency, society, or refuge that they are willing to perform sterilizations and the cost for such procedures.
§ 4-14-4. Violations
It shall be a misdemeanor to fail or refuse to comply with the requirements of Code Section 4-14-3 and any person convicted of said misdemeanor shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $200.00.
§ 4-14-5. More stringent shelter policies not prohibited
This chapter shall not prohibit the adoption by any political subdivision of this state of shelter policies which are more stringent than the requirements of this chapter.
Chapter 15. Dog and Cat Reproductive Sterilization Support
§ 4-15-1. Dog and cat reproductive sterilization support program
(a) The Commissioner shall establish a dog and cat reproductive sterilization support program and educational activities in support thereof. The department shall utilize moneys placed in a special fund for such program as derived from special license plate sales, any funds appropriated to the department for such purposes, and any voluntary contributions or other funds made available to the department for such purposes for the implementation, operation, and support of such reproductive sterilization program. The Commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules to direct and administer the dog and cat reproductive sterilization support program and to carry out this Code section.
(b) The Commissioner shall submit a report to the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs detailing the receipts of and expenditures from the dog and cat reproductive sterilization support program fund. Such report shall be made not later than the last day of August each year.
(c)(1) Unless an earlier date is deemed feasible and established by the Governor, each Georgia income tax return form for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2006, shall contain appropriate language, to be determined by the state revenue commissioner, offering the taxpayer the opportunity to contribute to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund established in subsection (a) of this Code section by either donating all or any part of any tax refund due, by authorizing a reduction in the refund check otherwise payable, or by contributing any amount over and above any amount of tax owed by adding that amount to the taxpayer's payment. The instructions accompanying the income tax return form shall contain a description of the purposes for which this fund was established and the intended use of moneys received from the contributions. Each taxpayer required to file a state income tax return who desires to contribute to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund may designate such contribution as provided in this Code section on the appropriate income tax return form.
(2) The Department of Revenue shall determine annually the total amount so contributed, shall withhold therefrom a reasonable amount for administering this voluntary contribution program, and shall transmit the balance to the Department of Agriculture for deposit in the Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund established in subsection (a) of this Code section; provided, however, the amount retained for administrative costs shall not exceed $50,000.00 per year. If, in any tax year, the administrative costs of the Department of Revenue for collecting contributions pursuant to this subsection exceed the sum of such contributions, the administrative costs which the Department of Revenue is authorized to withhold from such contributions shall not exceed the sum of such contributions.
Laws 2002, p. 1215, § 1; Laws 2005, Act 357, § 1, eff. July 1, 2005; Laws 2009, Act 74, § 1, eff. April 30, 2009.
(1) “Accelerant detection dog” means a dog trained to detect hydrocarbon substances.
(2) “Bomb detection dog” means a dog trained to locate bombs or explosives by scent.
(2.1) “Dangerous weapon” shall have the same meaning as provided for in Code Section 16-11-121.
(2.2) “Firearm” means any handgun, rifle, shotgun, stun gun, taser, or dangerous weapon.
(3) “Firearms detection dog” means a dog trained to locate firearms by scent.
(3.1) “Knowingly” means having knowledge that an animal is a law enforcement animal.
(3.2) “Law enforcement animal” means a police dog, police horse, or any other animal trained to support a peace officer, fire department, or the state fire marshal in performance of law enforcement duties.
(4) “Narcotic detection dog” means a dog trained to locate narcotics by scent.
(5) “Narcotics' means any controlled substance as defined in paragraph (4) of Code Section 16-13-21 and shall include marijuana as defined by paragraph (16) of Code Section 16-13-21.
(6) “Patrol dog” means a dog trained to protect a peace officer and to apprehend or hold without excessive force a person in violation of the criminal statutes of this state.
(6.1) “Performance of its duties” means performing law enforcement, fire department, or state fire marshal duties as trained.
(7) “Police dog” means a bomb detection dog, a firearms detection dog, a narcotic detection dog, a patrol dog, an accelerant detection dog, or a tracking dog used by a law enforcement agency. Such term also means a search and rescue dog.
(8) “Police horse” means a horse trained to transport, carry, or be ridden by a law enforcement officer and used by a law enforcement agency.
(8.1) “Search and rescue dog” means any dog that is owned or the services of which are employed by a fire department or the state fire marshal for the principal purpose of aiding in the detection of missing persons, including but not limited to persons who are lost, who are trapped under debris as a result of a natural or manmade disaster, or who are drowning victims.
(9) “Tracking dog” means a dog trained to track and find a missing person, escaped inmate, or fleeing felon.
(b) A person commits the offense of harming a law enforcement animal in the fourth degree when he or she knowingly and intentionally causes physical harm to such law enforcement animal while such law enforcement animal is in performance of its duties or because of such law enforcement animal's performance of its duties. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment not to exceed 12 months, a fine not to exceed $5,000.00, or both.
(c) A person commits the offense of harming a law enforcement animal in the third degree when he or she knowingly and intentionally and with a deadly weapon causes, or with any object, device, instrument, or body part which, when used offensively against such law enforcement animal, is likely to or actually does cause, serious physical injury to such law enforcement animal while such law enforcement animal is in performance of its duties or because of such law enforcement animal's performance of its duties. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than six nor more than 12 months, a fine not to exceed $5,000.00, or both.
(d) A person commits the offense of harming a law enforcement animal in the second degree when he or she knowingly and intentionally shoots a law enforcement animal with a firearm or causes debilitating physical injury to a law enforcement animal while such law enforcement animal is in performance of its duties or because of such law enforcement animal's performance of its duties. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, a fine not to exceed $25,000.00, or both.
(f) In addition to any other penalty provided for under this Code section, any person convicted of a violation under this Code section shall pay restitution to the law enforcement agency, fire department, or the state fire marshal which is the owner of, or which owned, such law enforcement animal in the amount of associated veterinary expenses incurred in the treatment of such law enforcement animal pursuant to Article 1 of Chapter 14 of Title 17; provided, however, that if such law enforcement animal died or is no longer able to engage in performance of its duties as a result of a violation of this Code section, the amount paid in restitution shall additionally include the amount of the actual replacement value of the law enforcement animal, which shall include the value of an animal to replace the law enforcement animal and all costs associated with training such animal and its handler or handlers.
(g) Nothing in this Code section shall prohibit the killing or euthanasia of a law enforcement animal for humane purposes.
(h) Nothing in this Code section shall prohibit the defense of a person against a law enforcement animal that attacks such person without or in spite of commands given by its handler.
(i) The Division of Forensic Sciences of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation shall perform forensic pathology services upon any law enforcement animal whose death occurred while in performance of its duties or because of such law enforcement animal's performance of its duties.
Laws 1983, p. 528, § 1; Laws 1996, p. 370, § 1; Laws 1996, p. 778, § 1; Laws 1998, p. 657, § 1.2; Laws 2015, Act 40, § 3-3, eff. July 1, 2015.
(2) “Harass” means to engage in any conduct directed toward an assistance dog that is knowingly likely to impede or interfere with the assistance dog's performance of its duties or that places the blind, deaf, or physically limited person being served or assisted by the dog in danger of injury.
(e) Any person who knowingly and intentionally allows his or her dog to cause death or physical harm to an assistance dog by rendering a part of the assistance dog's body useless or by seriously disfiguring the assistance dog, knowing the dog to be an assistance dog, shall be punished as for a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to distribute or offer for sale for human consumption any dog meat in the State of Georgia; and all dog meat sold in this state for any purpose, other than human consumption, shall be sold in packages only. The packages shall carry a label showing the contents, for what use it is intended, and stating that said contents are “NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.” The words “not for human consumption” shall be in conspicuous type.
Laws 1943, p. 475, § 1.
Upon the request of the governing authority of a city, county, or combination thereof, the department is authorized to provide technical assistance to the city, county, or combination thereof relative to the control or elimination of wild or abandoned dogs running at large, provided that, with the exception of the technical assistance provided in accordance with this Code section, all costs relative to the control or elimination shall be borne by the city, county, or combination thereof.
Laws 1979, p. 849, § 1.
Formerly Code 1933, § 45-105.1.
Title 27. Game and Fish. Chapter 3. Wildlife Generally. Article 1. Hunting. Part 1. General Provisions
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession any firearms, axes, climbers, or other equipment for taking game while training hunting dogs, provided that handguns with blank ammunition or shot cartridges may be used for training hunting dogs, and shotguns with number six shot or smaller shot may be used while training pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs using pen raised quail and pigeons.
(b) There is no closed season for training hunting dogs, except as otherwise provided.
(c) It shall be unlawful to run deer with dogs, except during the lawful open season for hunting deer with dogs.
(d) It shall be unlawful to take game by any means while training hunting dogs, except during the lawful open seasons for such game; provided, however, that pen raised quail may be taken at any time for training hunting dogs if the dog trainer maintains proof of purchase of pen raised quail.
(e) It shall be unlawful for any person to train hunting dogs on property other than that owned by such person or his immediate family unless such person has a hunting license in his immediate possession.
Laws 1977, p. 396, § 1; Laws 1978, p. 816, § 47; Laws 1984, p. 537, § 3; Laws 2002, p. 807, § 2.
(a) It shall be unlawful to hunt deer with dogs except during such special open seasons for the hunting of deer with dogs as may be designated by the board on a state-wide, regional, or local basis.
(b) In accordance with subsection (a) of this Code section, the board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations establishing an open season for the hunting of deer with dogs as may be appropriate based on sound wildlife management principles.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt deer with dogs on any tract of real property unless a permit for hunting deer with dogs has been issued by the department for such tract to the owner or owners of such tract or the lessee of deer hunting rights for such tract. A permit for hunting deer with dogs shall not be issued to a lessee of deer hunting rights for any tract of real property that is less than 1,000 contiguous acres or to the property owner or owners for any tract of real property that is less than 250 contiguous acres. Any application for a permit for hunting deer with dogs shall be on such form as prescribed by the department and shall include a written description of the tract boundaries and a map showing key features such as public roads or streams on or bordering the tract and occupied dwellings on adjacent properties. The application must be signed by all persons owning any portion of the tract of real property or an authorized agent thereof.
(d) The owner of any dog that is used for hunting deer must cause such dog to be identified at all times during the hunt with the permit number for the tract being hunted.
(e) Any person operating a motor vehicle used in conducting a deer hunt with dogs shall during such hunt clearly display in the front or rear windshield of such motor vehicle a decal or card showing the tract permit number in numerals not less than two inches high.
(f) The department shall thoroughly investigate for validity any complaints from adjacent property owners regarding hunting deer with dogs in violation of this title or rules and regulations issued pursuant to this title. The commissioner may take action against a permit as provided by Code Section 27-2-25 for violations of the provisions of this title or rules and regulations issued pursuant to this title occurring on the tract of real property for which the permit was issued.
(g) In addition to the provisions of subsection (f) of this Code section, the commissioner may suspend deer-dog hunting privileges for a specified period of time not to exceed two years for any hunter who, within a single hunting season, commits two or more violations of dogs off of permitted property. The hunter shall be notified of the proposed suspension personally or by a letter sent by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to the hunter's address indicated on the application for a hunting license. The proposed suspension shall become final 30 days after issuance if not appealed as provided in this Code section. The hunter shall, upon petition within 30 days of issuance of notice given as stated in this Code section, have a right to a hearing before an administrative law judge appointed by the board. The hearing before the administrative law judge shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act,” and the rules and regulations adopted by the board pursuant thereto. The decision of the administrative law judge shall constitute the final decision of the board, and any party to the hearing, including the commissioner, shall have the right of judicial review thereof in accordance with such chapter.
Laws 1955, p. 483, § 58; Laws 1977, p. 396, § 1; Laws 2003, Act 311, § 11, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2005, Act 131, § 2, eff. July 1, 2005; Laws 2006, Act 613, § 1, eff. July 1, 2006; Laws 2017, Act 22, § 13, eff. July 1, 2017.
It shall be lawful to hunt foxes with dogs; provided, however, that no hunter shall go upon the land of another without the permission of the owner or the lessee of such land or the lessee of the game rights of such land.
Laws 1931, p. 172, § 1; Laws 1955, p. 483, § 57; Laws 1977, p. 396, § 1.
(a) It shall be the duty of every conservation ranger to kill any dog pursuing or killing any deer in any locality other than that prescribed by law or rules and regulations permitting such hunting, and no action for damages shall be maintained against the person for such killing.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person other than a conservation ranger, sheriff, or deputy sheriff to kill a dog wearing a collar, which dog is or has been pursuing or killing a deer.
(c) It shall not be unlawful for any person to kill a dog which does not have a collar and which is pursuing or killing deer in any locality other than that prescribed by law or rules and regulations permitting such hunting, and no action for damages shall be maintained against the person for such killing.
Laws 1955, p. 483, § 59; Laws 1977, p. 396, § 1; Laws 1978, p. 816, § 49.
Formerly Code 1933, § 45-524.
(1) “Adoptable dog” means any dog in the custody of any animal shelter, humane society, or public or private animal refuge that is available for adoption by the general public.
(2) “Animal shelter” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 4-14-2.
(3) “Humane society” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 4-14-2.
(4) “Public or private animal refuge” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 4-14-2.
(b) The adoptable dog is designated as the official Georgia state dog.
Laws 2016, Act 358, § 2, eff. July 1, 2016; Laws 2017, Act 275, § 50, eff. May 9, 2017.