reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 2 - CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS FOR LIVESTOCK SELLERS (§§ 4-6-20 — 4-6-23) › Section 4-6-23 - Penalty for failure to deposit proceeds of sale in custodial account

Failure to deposit the proceeds received from the sale of livestock in a custodial account as required by Code Section
4-6-21
, misuse of such funds, or payment by a bank of funds held in a custodial account without the certificate required by Code Section
4-6-22
shall constitute a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-42 - Surety bond - Generally

No person shall operate a sales establishment for the sale of livestock at auction unless he or she has then in force a surety in an amount established in a memorandum of agreement with the department sufficient to secure the performance of the obligations of the holder of such surety.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 42,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-43 - Surety bond - Dealers generally

(a)
No dealer shall purchase livestock at any sales establishment or directly from producers unless he or she has then in force a surety in an amount established in a memorandum of agreement with the department sufficient to secure the performance of the obligations of the holder of such surety.
(b)
This Code section shall not be applicable to nor shall a surety be required of a dealer who purchases livestock at sales establishments for cash only. No livestock market operator shall permit a dealer who is not properly licensed and holding surety to purchase livestock other than for cash.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 42,§ 9, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-44 - [Repealed] Surety bond - Annual sales and purchases

Repealed by 2017 Ga. Laws 42,§ 10, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-46 - Maintenance of records and accounts; inspections

Sales establishments for the sale of livestock at auction shall maintain such accounts and records as will at all times disclose the names of the sellers or consignors, the amount due and payable to each from the custodial account for shippers' proceeds, and the legally authorized fees and charges due the establishment. Sales establishments shall make such records available for inspection by the Commissioner or his agents during any business hours.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-47 - When payment for livestock purchased due; disposition of proceeds; methods of payment

Payment for livestock purchased at auction shall be made on the same date of the purchase of the livestock, except that persons regulated by the provisions of the federal Packers and Stockyards Act may make payment by placing in the mail a check on the day following the date of purchase. The proceeds from the sale of livestock shall be deposited by the livestock sales establishment in the custodial account not later than the next banking day following the date of sale or receipt of payment by mail. Payment for livestock purchased at auction shall be made by cash, check, draft, or transfer of funds by wire. No loans shall be made from the custodial account of any livestock sales establishment to any purchaser of livestock at that sales establishment.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-48 - Report of dishonor of a check or draft issued in payment for livestock

It shall be the duty and responsibility of each livestock sales establishment to report to the Commissioner within 24 hours after having knowledge that a check or draft issued in payment for livestock has been dishonored; and it shall be the duty and responsibility of the Commissioner to notify all licensed sales establishments of the fact of such dishonor of any such check or draft issued in payment for livestock.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-49 - [Repealed] Annual reports of sales and purchases; proof of compliance with bonding requirements

Repealed by 2017 Ga. Laws 42,§ 11, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-49.1 - Denial of licenses; Commissioner's right to require disclosures and examine records and accounts; dealers purchasing livestock for cash only; financial statement

(a)
No license shall be issued to or allowed to be maintained by any sales establishment or dealer if:
(1)
Any beneficial interest in the business of the sales establishment or dealer is directly or indirectly owned by a defaulter; or
(2)
Any defaulter is employed in a management position by the sales establishment or dealer.
(b)
As used in this Code section, the term "defaulter" means any person who has, within the past five years, been employed in a managerial position by or owned any beneficial interest in the business of a sales establishment or dealer and such business has ceased operations without satisfying all liabilities of the business either from assets of the business or from any surety.
(c)
The Commissioner shall have full authority to require disclosure from licensees and applicants of information sufficient to determine whether the licensee or applicant is qualified to be licensed under this Code section. The Commissioner shall have full authority to examine the records and accounts of all licensees in order to determine whether any proceeds of the business are being paid to any defaulter.
(d)
This Code section shall not prohibit the Commissioner from allowing a defaulter to operate as a dealer who purchases livestock for cash only.
(e)
All applicants for licensure shall submit to the Commissioner a current financial statement, and all licensees shall submit a current financial statement annually.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 42,§ 12, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-50 - Livestock weighed at sales establishment; certified public weigher

All livestock weighed at a sales establishment shall be weighed by a certified public weigher who has complied with Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Title 10. Each such weigher shall obtain a seal and upon request shall impress the seal upon the scale ticket of the livestock weighed.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-51 - Isolation of employees of sales establishments during conduct of sale

Each sales establishment shall make adequate provision to isolate, insofar as practicable, the auctioneer, weigher, clerk, and any other employee who has any duty in regard to making any record of the sale. No person shall be permitted to converse with any such employee while the employee is performing any duty in connection with the sale.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-52 - Special sales

(a)
As used in this Code section, "special sale" means any livestock sale, except a regular sale at an establishment and any sale by a farmer of livestock owned by the farmer, with payment made directly to the farmer.
(b)
The Commissioner is authorized to prescribe rules and regulations for the operation of special sales. No person shall hold a special sale without obtaining a permit therefor from the Commissioner or his or her duly authorized representative, which shall be granted without charge upon submission of proof satisfactory to the Commissioner that the person applying for the permit has procured a surety in an amount equal to one-fourth of the anticipated proceeds of the sale; provided, however, that such surety shall be not less than $10,000.00 and not more than $150,000.00.
(c)
Associations holding sales of animals consigned by members of the association only shall not be required to procure a surety if the directors of the association accept full responsibility for financial obligations of sale and release the Commissioner, in writing, from any responsibility.
(d)
Georgia 4-H clubs and Georgia Future Farmers of America chapters shall not be required to procure a surety.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 42,§ 13, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 6 - LIVESTOCK DEALERS AND AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-1 — 4-6-55) › Article 3 - LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS (§§ 4-6-40 — 4-6-55) › Section 4-6-54 - Use of persuader in loading or handling of livestock

It shall be unlawful for any person to use any persuader other than an electric prod or canvas flap in the loading or handling of livestock in a public sales establishment.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 7 - HATCHERY OPERATORS AND DEALERS (§§ 4-7-1 — 4-7-8) › Section 4-7-1 - Designation of official state agency for administration of national improvement plans; participation by hatcheries and the like in national plans; state plan; use of certain words in advertising or offering of hatching eggs, chicks, poults, or breeding stock

(a)
The Georgia Poultry Improvement Association, Inc., shall be recognized and designated as the official state agency for administration of the National Poultry Improvement Plan sponsored by the secretary of agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture. Participation in the National Poultry Improvement Plan by hatcheries, breeders, dealers, and supply flock owners shall be voluntary and administrated and governed by the rules and regulations of the official state agency in conjunction with rules and regulations promulgated by the secretary of agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture.
(b)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to establish a state plan of identification of hatcheries, dealers, or supply flocks, except as specified in this chapter.
(c)
The words "state approved," "state tested," or words or phrases of similar implication and meaning shall not be used in advertising or in the sale or offering for sale of hatching eggs, chicks, poults, or breeding stock.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 7 - HATCHERY OPERATORS AND DEALERS (§§ 4-7-1 — 4-7-8) › Section 4-7-2 - Pullorum disease control

(a)
Regulations for control and eradication of pullorum disease shall be made following a joint hearing between the Commissioner and the Georgia Poultry Improvement Association, Inc. Requirements for pullorum disease testing and other sanitary measures shall be set by the Commissioner. In the event that state regulations do not exist or apply, the minimum pullorum disease control regulations of the Georgia Poultry Improvement Association, Inc., shall be effective.
(b)
The Commissioner shall be authorized to quarantine and prohibit the sale or shipment of hatching eggs, chicks, poults, poultry breeding stock, or birds of any species to or from any hatchery, dealer, or flock or in any area within the state. The Commissioner shall be authorized to promulgate special regulations for prevention and spread of pullorum disease or other infectious or contagious diseases of poultry.
(c)
Appointment of qualified pullorum disease testing agents and supervision of their field work shall be made by the Commissioner. Only persons who have demonstrated that they are capable of doing satisfactory testing work shall be so authorized.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 7 - HATCHERY OPERATORS AND DEALERS (§§ 4-7-1 — 4-7-8) › Section 4-7-3 - Licenses

(a)
Every person, firm, corporation, or dealer who operates a hatchery shall first register and secure a permanent license from the Commissioner. The fee for such permanent license shall be fixed by the Commissioner in an amount not to exceed $10.00 for each hatchery, dealer, or branch. The license shall be conspicuously displayed in each place of business. The license shall not be transferable. When any condition is revealed to exist which is not in strict accord with this chapter, the license may be revoked or suspended by the Commissioner, in his discretion.
(b)
Manufacturers of poultry remedies, before offering for sale each of such remedies in the state for treatment, eradication, or control of poultry diseases, shall first secure a license from and be approved by the Commissioner, at his discretion. The fee for such license shall be $1.00 for each remedy.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 7 - HATCHERY OPERATORS AND DEALERS (§§ 4-7-1 — 4-7-8) › Section 4-7-4 - Reports of contagious diseases; inspection of premises

(a)
Hatcheries, dealers, and flock owners shall promptly report to the Commissioner the outbreak of any contagious or infectious disease affecting chicks, poults, or breeding stock in their possession or in any flock producing hatching eggs.
(b)
The premises and equipment of hatcheries and dealers shall be subject to inspection by the Commissioner; and access to any supply flock shall be granted to the inspectors of the department at any reasonable time during the business day to see that minimum requirements of sanitary and disease control regulations are maintained and enforced.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 7 - HATCHERY OPERATORS AND DEALERS (§§ 4-7-1 — 4-7-8) › Section 4-7-5 - Use of sulfaguanidine and sulfathiazole

(a)
It shall be lawful in this state for any recognized poultry flock owners to buy and use sulfaguanidine and sulfathiazole in original packages in powdered form only for their own requirements in the treatment of poultry diseases. Dealers in poultry supplies may buy and sell sulfaguanidine and sulfathiazole.
(b)
No person, firm, or corporation in this state shall sell or offer for sale sulfaguanidine or sulfathiazole unless each is plainly labeled with the words "For Poultry Only."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 7 - HATCHERY OPERATORS AND DEALERS (§§ 4-7-1 — 4-7-8) › Section 4-7-6 - Shipments of hatching eggs, chicks, poults, poultry breeding stock, or birds of any species into state

(a)
Hatching eggs, chicks, poults, poultry breeding stock, or birds of any species shall not be shipped into the State of Georgia without first obtaining the approval of the Commissioner. Shippers shall be subject to investigation by the Commissioner or other authorized person to determine that hatching eggs, chicks, poults, or poultry breeding stock have been produced and handled under conditions no less adequate for control of pullorum disease and other contagious or infectious diseases of poultry than those required under Georgia regulations.
(b)
Hatching eggs, chicks, poults, or poultry breeding stock shipped into the State of Georgia shall be:
(1)
Reported by the shipper to the Commissioner on official health certificates signed by the livestock sanitary official in the state of origin, certifying that such shipment has met requirements equivalent to Georgia regulations for control of pullorum disease and other contagious or infectious diseases of poultry; a duplicate copy of the health certificate shall be attached to the waybill on each shipment; or
(2)
Reported to the Commissioner on official National Poultry Improvement Plan forms, if produced under a pullorum disease control phase of the National Poultry Improvement Plan.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 7 - HATCHERY OPERATORS AND DEALERS (§§ 4-7-1 — 4-7-8) › Section 4-7-7 - Effect of chapter on Commissioner's authority to control and eradicate livestock and poultry diseases

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed so as to limit in any manner the authority of the Commissioner to carry out, administer, and enforce all laws, rules, and regulations for the control and eradication of livestock and poultry diseases in this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 7 - HATCHERY OPERATORS AND DEALERS (§§ 4-7-1 — 4-7-8) › Section 4-7-8 - Penalty for violations of chapter; disposal of hatching eggs or birds not in compliance with chapter

Any person, firm, or corporation found to be in violation of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. The Commissioner may, at his discretion, confiscate, destroy, or otherwise dispose of all hatching eggs, chicks, poults, poultry breeding stock, or birds of any species that are produced in the state or enter the state but are not in compliance with this chapter.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-7) › Section 4-8-1 - Minimum standards for control of dogs

It is the intention of this chapter to establish as state law minimum standards for the control and regulation of dogs and to establish state crimes for violations of such minimum standards. However, this chapter shall not prohibit local governments from adopting and enforcing ordinances or resolutions which provide for more restrictive control and regulation of dogs than the minimum standards provided for in this chapter.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-7) › Section 4-8-1.1 - Abandonment of dead dogs - Upon private property

No person shall intentionally abandon a dead dog on any private property belonging to another unless the person so doing shall have first obtained permission from the owner of the property on which the dog is being left and the provisions of Code Section
4-5-3
are complied with in full.
Renumbered from OCGA § 4-8-1 by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-7) › Section 4-8-1.2 - Classification of certain dogs as hunting dogs

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.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 366,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-7) › Section 4-8-2 - Abandonment of dead dogs - Upon public property or public right of way

No person shall abandon a dead dog on any public property or public right of way unless the place in which the dog is being left is a public dump or other facility designed for receiving such and has been designated by the local governmental authorities as a public facility for receiving trash or refuse and the provisions of Code Section
4-5-3
are complied with in full.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-7) › Section 4-8-3 - Abandonment of dogs

No person shall release a dog on any property, public or private, with the intention of abandoning the dog.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-7) › Section 4-8-4 - Liability of owner or custodian for damages done to livestock, poultry, or pet animal by dog

(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.
(b)
This Code section is to be considered cumulative of other remedies provided by law. There is no intent to eliminate or limit other causes of action which might inure to the owner of any livestock, poultry, or pet animal.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-7) › Section 4-8-5 - Cruelty to dogs; authorized killing of dogs

(a)
No person shall perform a cruel act on any dog; nor shall any person harm, maim, or kill any dog, or attempt to do so, except that a person may:
(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.
(b)
The method used for killing the dog shall be designed to be as humane as is possible under the circumstances. A person who humanely kills a dog under the circumstances indicated in subsection (a) of this Code section shall incur no liability for such death.
(c)
This Code section shall not be construed to limit in any way the authority or duty of any law enforcement officer, dog or rabies control officer, humane society, or veterinarian.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-7) › Section 4-8-6 - Permitting dogs in heat to roam or run free

No owner or custodian of any dog in heat shall permit the dog to roam or run free beyond the limits of his property.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-7) › Section 4-8-6.1 - Removal of certain collars from dogs; restitution; exemption

(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.
(c)
This Code section shall not apply to an owner or lessee of real property who removes a collar from a dog caught on his or her owned or leased property while such dog remains on such property if such owner or lessee gives notice of such action within 24 hours to the county or municipal law enforcement agency having territorial jurisdiction.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 540,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-7) › Section 4-8-7 - Penalty for violations of article

Except as provided in Code Sections
16-12-4
and
16-12-37
, any person who violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 4-8-20 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Responsible Dog Ownership Law."
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 4-8-21 - Definitions

(a)
As used in this article, the term:
(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;
(B)
Aggressively attacks in a manner that causes a person to reasonably believe that the dog posed an imminent threat of serious injury to such person or another person although no such injury occurs; provided, however, that the acts of barking, growling, or showing of teeth by a dog shall not be sufficient to classify a dog as dangerous under this subparagraph; or
(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.
(3)
"Local government" means any county or municipality of this state.
(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.
(5)
"Serious injury" means any physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death; results in death, broken or dislocated bones, lacerations requiring multiple sutures, or disfiguring avulsions; requires plastic surgery or admission to a hospital; or results in protracted impairment of health, including transmission of an infection or contagious disease, or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.
(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.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 4-8-22 - Jurisdiction; designation of dog control officer; consolidation of 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.
(b)
The governing authority of each local government shall designate one or more individuals as dog control officers to aid in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article. An individual carrying out the duties of dog control officer shall not be authorized to make arrests unless he or she is a law enforcement officer having the powers of arrest.
(c)
Any county or municipality or any combination of such local governments may enter into agreements with each other for the consolidation of dog control services under this Code section.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 554,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 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.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 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 article and:
(1)
The owner or custodian of the dog has been convicted of a violation of any state criminal law and the crime was related to such dog; or
(2)
Any local governmental authority has filed with the court a civil action requesting the euthanasia of the dog.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 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.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 4-8-28 - Notifications by owner; change in ownership of dog; changes in residence

(a)
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.
(b)
A vicious dog shall not be transferred, sold, or donated to any other person unless it is relinquished to a governmental facility or veterinarian to be euthanized.
(c)
The owner of a classified dog who moves from one jurisdiction to another within the State of Georgia shall register the classified dog in the new jurisdiction within ten days of becoming a resident and notify the dog control officer of the jurisdiction from which he or she moved. The owner of a similarly classified dog who moves into this state shall register the dog as required in Code Section
4-8-27
within 30 days of becoming a resident.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 4-8-29 - Limitations on dog's presence off of owner's premises; penalty for violation; defense

(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)
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 human or animal when necessary;
(2)
The dog is contained in a closed and locked cage or crate; or
(3)
The dog is working or training as a hunting dog, herding dog, or predator control dog.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for an owner of a vicious dog to permit the dog to be:
(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
(B)
The dog is contained in a closed and locked cage or crate; or
(2)
Unattended with minors.
(c)
A person who violates subsection (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature.
(d)
An owner with a previous conviction for a violation of this article whose classified dog causes serious injury to a human being under circumstances constituting another violation of this article shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years, a fine of not less than $5,000.00 nor more than $10,000.00, or both. In addition, the classified dog shall be euthanized at the cost of the owner.
(e)
Any irregularity in classification proceedings shall not be a defense to any prosecution under this article so long as the owner of the dog received actual notice of the classification and did not pursue a civil remedy for the correction of the irregularity.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 4-8-30 - Confiscation by dog control officer; payment of costs for recovery; euthanasia

(a)
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.
(b)
The owner of any dog that has been confiscated pursuant to this article may recover such dog upon payment of all reasonable confiscation and housing costs and proof of compliance with the provisions of this article, unless such confiscation is deemed to be in error by a dog control officer, an authority, as defined in Code Section
4-8-23
, or a probate court. All fines and all charges for services performed by a law enforcement or dog control officer shall be paid prior to owner recovery of the dog. Criminal prosecution shall not be stayed due to owner recovery or euthanasia of the dog.
(c)
In the event the owner has not complied with the provisions of this article within 14 days of the date the dog was confiscated, such dog shall be released to an animal shelter, as such term is defined in Code Section
4-14-2
, or euthanized in an expeditious and humane manner. The owner may be required to pay the costs of housing and euthanasia.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 554,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2014.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 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.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 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.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 2 - RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP LAW (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33) › Section 4-8-33 - Application and compliance

(a)
(1)
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.
(2)
Any dog classified prior to July 1, 2012, as a dangerous dog or vicious dog in this state shall on and after that date be classified as a vicious dog under this article.
(b)
The owner of any dog referred to in subsection (a) of this Code section shall come into compliance with all current provisions of this article by January 1, 2013.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 8 - DOGS (§§ 4-8-1 — 4-8-40) › Article 3 - [Repealed] VICIOUS DOG CONTROL (§ 4-8-40) › Section 4-8-40 - through 4-8-45 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2012 Ga. Laws 765,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2012.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 596,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 408,§ 2-1, eff. 5/6/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 9 - BIOLOGICALS PERMITS (§§ 4-9-1 — 4-9-9) › Section 4-9-2 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Adulterant" means a substance used as an addition to another substance for falsification or adulteration.
(2)
"Adulteration" means an addition of an impure, cheap, or unnecessary ingredient to cheat, cheapen, or falsify a preparation.
(3)
"Biologicals" means medicinal preparations made from living organisms and their products, including serums, vaccines, antigens, and antitoxins which are for use on poultry and animals, excluding humans.
(4)
"Contaminant" means something that causes contamination, such as a foreign organism developing accidentally in a pure culture.
(5)
"Contamination" means the soiling or making inferior by contact or mixing.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 9 - BIOLOGICALS PERMITS (§§ 4-9-1 — 4-9-9) › Section 4-9-3 - Permits - Application; issuance; exemptions; posting

(a)
Every producer, manufacturer, distributor, or sales outlet selling, offering for sale, exposing for sale, distributing, or storing biologicals shall register with and obtain a permit from the department prior to engaging in such activities. No person, firm, or partnership shall engage in any such activities without a permit or while its permit is suspended or revoked. The registration and application for a permit shall be made on a form prescribed by the Commissioner. Upon compliance with this chapter, the applicant shall be issued a permit by the Commissioner for all biological products manufactured, distributed, or sold by the applicant. A previous violation of the law or any regulation of the department by the applicant shall constitute just cause for refusal of a permit.
(b)
This chapter shall not apply to any department of the federal or state government, any county board of health, any joint city-county board of health, any licensed graduate veterinarian whose primary use of biologicals is in his practice, or any retail establishment which purchases prepackaged biologicals not under its private label from a producer, manufacturer, distributor, or sales outlet registered under this chapter for sale to the general public only. Retail establishments which sell biologicals received from producers, manufacturers, and distributors, none of which are registered under this chapter, must obtain a separate permit for the biologicals obtained from each nonregistered source.
(c)
Permits issued under this Code section shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the business.
(d)
Any violation of this Code section shall constitute a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 9 - BIOLOGICALS PERMITS (§§ 4-9-1 — 4-9-9) › Section 4-9-4 - Permits - Transferability; effect of death of permittee

Permits issued under this chapter shall not be transferable. Upon the death of a person to whom such a permit has been issued, the permit issued to such deceased person shall continue in full force and effect for a period of 90 days from the date of the death of such person, provided the Commissioner is notified of such death within 30 days from the date thereof. During the 90 day period, renewal shall not be required and the permit shall in all respects be subject to this chapter. The permit shall terminate upon the expiration of the 90 day period.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 9 - BIOLOGICALS PERMITS (§§ 4-9-1 — 4-9-9) › Section 4-9-5 - Promulgation of rules and regulations; revocation or suspension of permits, licenses, and certificates

(a)
The Commissioner shall promulgate such rules and regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions and intention of this chapter.
(b)
The Commissioner is authorized to revoke or suspend any permit issued under this chapter at any time when examination or inspection shall disclose violation of this chapter or any rule or regulation promulgated by the Commissioner, provided that unless revocation or termination is made automatic by this chapter, no license, permit, certificate, or other similar right shall be revoked or suspended without opportunity for hearing in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 9 - BIOLOGICALS PERMITS (§§ 4-9-1 — 4-9-9) › Section 4-9-6 - Employment of field agents, clerical help, and other personnel

The Commissioner shall have the power and authority to employ field agents, clerical help, and other qualified personnel as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of and enforce this chapter.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 9 - BIOLOGICALS PERMITS (§§ 4-9-1 — 4-9-9) › Section 4-9-7 - Prohibited acts

The following acts and the procurement, causing, aiding, or abetting of such acts within this state are prohibited:
(1)
The manufacture, sale, delivery, holding or offering for sale, or storage of any biologicals that are adulterated, mislabeled, or contaminated;
(2)
The receipt in commerce of biologicals known to be adulterated, mislabeled, or contaminated and the delivery or proffered delivery thereof with like knowledge, whether for pay or otherwise;
(3)
The willful dissemination of false advertisements concerning any biologicals;
(4)
The refusal to permit entry or inspection of any premises wherein biologicals are sold, held for sale, or stored and the refusal to permit the taking of a sample of any such biologicals;
(5)
The giving of a guaranty or undertaking which is false except when such guaranty or undertaking is given by a person who relied on a guaranty or undertaking to the same effect signed by and containing the name and address of a manufacturer, producer, distributor, or sales outlet holding a permit from the department and from whom he received the biologicals in good faith;
(6)
The removal or disposal of detained or embargoed biologicals, except by the Commissioner or his duly authorized agents;
(7)
The adulteration, mutilation, destruction, obliteration, or removal of the whole or any part of the labeling of any biologicals or the doing of any other act with respect to biologicals, if such act is done while such biologicals are held for sale and results in such biologicals being misbranded; and
(8)
The use on the labels of any biologicals or in any advertisement of any biologicals of any representation or suggestion that such biologicals have been approved by the department.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 9 - BIOLOGICALS PERMITS (§§ 4-9-1 — 4-9-9) › Section 4-9-8 - Seizure, destruction, and withholding from sale of adulterated, misbranded, or contaminated biologicals

The Commissioner shall have the right to seize, destroy, or withhold from sale any adulterated, misbranded, or contaminated biologicals. The Commissioner shall also have the right to withhold from sale any biological which he deems to be hazardous when administered by any persons other than an accredited licensed veterinarian, persons licensed under Chapter 50 of Title 43, or persons approved by him.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 9 - BIOLOGICALS PERMITS (§§ 4-9-1 — 4-9-9) › Section 4-9-9 - Injunctions

The Commissioner or any person, corporation, firm, or association, in addition to the remedies set forth in this chapter, may obtain from a court of competent jurisdiction an injunction to restrain continued violations of this chapter. The granting of an injunction is authorized, notwithstanding the fact that such violation also constitutes a misdemeanor and notwithstanding the availability of adequate remedies at law.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 10 - DEALERS IN EXOTIC BIRDS AND PET BIRDS (§§ 4-10-1 — 4-10-12) › Section 4-10-2 - Legislative findings

The General Assembly finds that the sale of exotic and pet birds presents a serious potential hazard to the health of livestock and humans due to the potential of transmission of disease by birds. The General Assembly further finds that regulation of bird dealers is a necessary means of minimizing this hazard.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 10 - DEALERS IN EXOTIC BIRDS AND PET BIRDS (§§ 4-10-1 — 4-10-12) › Section 4-10-3 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Bird dealer" means any person engaged in the business of dealing in, purchasing, breeding, or offering for sale, whether at wholesale or retail, any exotic birds, pet birds, or birds customarily kept as pets.
(2)
"Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, estate, trust, fiduciary, or other group or combination acting as a unit.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 10 - DEALERS IN EXOTIC BIRDS AND PET BIRDS (§§ 4-10-1 — 4-10-12) › Section 4-10-4 - License - Requirement

It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a bird dealer unless such person has a valid bird dealer's license.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 4 - ANIMALS (§§ 4-1-1 — 4-15-1) › Chapter 10 - DEALERS IN EXOTIC BIRDS AND PET BIRDS (§§ 4-10-1 — 4-10-12) › Section 4-10-5 - License - Issuance; duration; renewal; fees

(a)
The department shall license bird dealers under the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 of Title 2, the "Department of Agriculture Registration, License, and Permit Act."
(b)
Bird dealers' licenses shall be issued for a period of one year and shall be annually renewable. The department may establish separate classes of licenses, including wholesale and retail licenses. The department shall fix fees for licenses so that the revenue derived from licenses shall approximate the total direct and indirect costs of administering this chapter; but the annual fee for any such license shall be at least $50.00 but shall not exceed $400.00. Any fees collected pursuant to this Code section shall be retained pursuant to the provisions of Code Section
45-12-92.1
.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§ 1-16, eff. 5/12/2010.