Sec. 14-234Certificates of registration, dog owner responsibilities, and other restrictions

(a) The owner of any classified dog must obtain a certificate of registration issued and renewed annually pursuant to this article and O.C.G.A. § 4-8-27. Such certificate of registration must be initially obtained within ten days from the effective date of classification.

(b) An owner must apply to renew an existing certificate of registration annually, within ten days of the expiration of one year from the previous renewal date or initial issuance date.

(c) An owner applying for an initial certificate of registration or renewing an existing certificate of registration shall pay an annual registration fee of $100.00.

(d) At the time of renewal of a certificate of registration for a vicious dog, the dog control officer shall verify that the owner is continuing to comply with the requirements set out in this article.

(e) Failure to obtain and thereafter annually apply for renewal of a certificate of registration constitutes a violation of this article.

(f) A certificate of registration shall be issued or renewed for a dangerous dog if the dog control officer determines that the following requirements are met by the owner:

(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.

(g) A certificate of registration shall be issued or renewed for a vicious dog if the dog control officer determines that the following requirements are met by the owner:

(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;

(2) Clearly visible warning signs have been posted at all entrances to the premises where the dog resides;

(3) A microchip containing an identification number and capable of being scanned has been injected under the skin between the shoulder blades of the dog; and

(4) The owner maintains and can provide proof of general or specific liability insurance in the amount of at least $50,000.00 issued by an insurer authorized to transact business in this state insuring the owner of the vicious dog against liability for any bodily injury or property damage caused by the dog.

(h) Certificates of registration shall be non-transferable.

(i) Notwithstanding any provision contained above, a certificate of registration shall not be issued or renewed in the following circumstances:

(1) No certificate of registration shall be issued to any person under 18 years of age.

(2) Only one certificate of registration shall be issued per domicile.

(3) Only one certificate of registration for a vicious dog shall be issued per owner.

(4) No certificate of registration shall be issued to any person who has been convicted of two or more violations of O.C.G.A. Title 4, Chapter 8, of this article, or of any local ordinance implementing the restrictions contained therein.

(5) No certificate of registration for a vicious dog shall be issued to any person who has been convicted of:

a. A serious violent felony as defined in O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1;

b. The felony of dogfighting as provided for in O.C.G.A. § 16-12-37 or the felony of aggravated cruelty to animals as provided for in O.C.G.A. § 16-12-4; or

c. A felony involving trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, marijuana, methamphetamine, or ecstasy as provided for in O.C.G.A. §§ 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.

(j) An owner of a classified dog must notify the dog control officer within 24 hours if the dog is on the loose, unconfined, has attacked a person, or has died. If the dog has been sold or donated, the owner shall also provide the dog control officer with the name, address, and telephone number of the new owner of the dog. Provided, however, a vicious dog may not be transferred, sold, or donated.

(k) An owner of a classified dog shall keep the dog in a proper enclosure unless restrained by a strong leash and accompanied by a responsible person. Vicious dogs must also be muzzled when outside the enclosure. The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with the dog's vision or respiration but will prevent the dog from biting any person.

(l) An owner of a dog classified as dangerous or vicious in another jurisdiction within this state, which owner is moving into the city, must notify the dog control officer of within ten days of residency within the city.

(m) An owner of a dog meeting the classification requirements hereunder, or meeting similar classification requirements in a previous state of residence, which owner is moving into the city from outside of the State of Georgia, must notify the dog control officer within 30 days of residency within the city.

(n) The dog control officer is authorized to make whatever inquiry is deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this article.

(o) Issuance of a certificate of registration or the renewal of a certificate of registration by the city does not warrant or guarantee that the requirements specified in this article are maintained by the owner of a dangerous dog or a vicious dog on a continuous basis following the date of the issuance of the initial certificate of registration or following the date of any annual renewal of such certificate.

History: (Ord. No. 15-04, § 3(Exh. A), 5-7-2015)