Georgia criminalizes animal cruelty and neglect statewide under O.C.G.A. 16-12-4, applying uniformly regardless of local ordinances and covering hoarding situations.
Georgia's animal cruelty statute (O.C.G.A. 16-12-4) makes it a misdemeanor to neglect, abandon, or fail to provide adequate food, water, sanitary conditions, and humane care to any animal. Aggravated cruelty is a felony. Animal hoarding cases are prosecuted under these provisions when an owner accumulates more animals than they can properly care for. Local ordinances may add limits on the number of pets per household, but the state cruelty law applies uniformly and provides the floor for prosecution and animal seizure.
First-offense cruelty is a misdemeanor; aggravated cruelty is a felony with up to 5 years prison and $15,000 fine plus animal forfeiture.
Augusta, GA
Augusta regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 applies to unreasonable disturban...
Augusta, GA
Augusta addresses barking dogs through animal control and nuisance provisions. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors are considered a nuisance. A...
Augusta, GA
Augusta limits construction noise in and near residential areas. Construction activities are expected during standard daytime hours, typically 7 AM to 7 PM w...
Augusta, GA
Augusta-Richmond County regulates noise under Title 3, Chapter 6 of the code. Noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace, quiet, or comfort of neighboring re...
Augusta, GA
Augusta regulates on-street parking through its traffic code. Vehicles must comply with posted signs. Downtown Augusta has metered and time-limited parking a...
Augusta, GA
Augusta restricts RV and boat storage in residential areas. These vehicles should be stored behind the front building line, typically in side or rear yards. ...
See how Augusta's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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