Animal Control laws

GOALS IDENTIFIED BY THE BOC Proactive on certain dogs Allow 3 year tag with mandatory collection Stop overbreeding of dogs and cats

Unless there is an IGA County governs unincorporated area Municipalities inside city limits

What general law controls No dumping dead dogs on another’s property or public property No abandoning dogs Owners and custodians are responsible for damages caused by dogs No allowing dog in heat to roam

Dogs are protected! No cruel acts If must be put down, done humanely May protect humans against attack Don’t take someone elses dog by removing tag or collar IT’S A CRIME! Cruelty, dog fighting, other malicious acts are state crimes

Dangerous Dogs are Cause substantial harm or injury Aggressively attacks in threatening manner Kills another pet May be immediately impounded pending hearing

Vicious Dogs Inflict serious injury to a person May be immediately impounded pending hearing

Dangerous and Vicious Dogs Owner receives notice within 72 hours Notice includes bad act; hearing date; appellate rights Owner can request hearing Hearing happens within 30 days Within 10 days after hearing, written ruling Judicial review with Probate Court is final decision

Classified dogs must have.. Non transferrable registration that is annually renewed Enclosure designed to securely confine dog Visible warning sides at abode Microchip for ID General liability insurance No other classified dogs

Felons further restricted.. Serious violent felony Prior dog fighting Drug charges for 2 years after sentence

Owners of classified dogs.. Can’t transfer, sell or donate to private party Can’t move from one jurisdiction to another without notice in 10 days Must report dog lost or on loose

Animal services can Immediately impound dog in violation Make owner pay costs Humanely euthanize dog if non compliant for 14 days

That is all state law…. BOC decides:

New ordinance tougher in areas of concern State law is reactive and Chatham County wants to be proactive

Changes to ordinance include Removed everything outlined before this Establish Animal Control Board Invitation to municipalities to join More stringent regulation of classified dogs Stop indiscriminate breeding within the community

Specifics.. 3 year registration and tag with fee Menacing dogs found at large, must spay/neuter and microchip before return Superbreeder fee: Not AKC = graduate $250 fine and goes up! Service Dogs defines; no faking it Emotional Support dogs trained and proof provided Discretion to prevent attacks

Staff recommends 1st reading Public Forum 2nd reading/adoption