Atlanta Code Ch. 6 prohibits keeping animals in conditions causing suffering, including hoarding situations. Fulton County Animal Services and APD investigate cases under both city ordinance and OCGA Title 16 cruelty statutes.
Atlanta does not use the word hoarding but Section 6-1 prohibits maintaining animals without adequate food, water, sanitary conditions, or veterinary care. Cases involving large numbers of animals in distressed conditions are referred jointly to Fulton County Animal Services (contracted through Lifeline Animal Project) and APD. Felony cruelty charges under OCGA 16-12-4 apply when malicious neglect causes death or serious injury. Properties may also be cited by Atlanta Code Enforcement under Ch. 18 for unsanitary nuisance conditions, and animals can be impounded pending court disposition.
Misdemeanor cruelty under Atlanta Code Ch. 6 with fines up to $1,000 and six months jail; aggravated neglect prosecuted as felony under OCGA 16-12-4 carrying one to five years imprisonment.
Atlanta, GA
Georgia has strict exotic pet laws under OCGA §27-5. Atlanta residents cannot keep big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, wolves, or bears without a state wi...
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta requires dogs to be leashed in public areas. Georgia law O.C.G.A. §4-8-5 addresses dogs at large.
See how Atlanta's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.