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Bulloch County, GA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Breed-specific ban
None; classification is behavior-based
Governing framework
O.C.G.A. title 4, ch. 8, art. 2, fully incorporated
Local enforcer
County-designated dog control officer
Forfeiture trigger
2nd seizure for same violation in 24 months
Max penalty
$1,000 fine and/or 60 days jail

Summary

Unincorporated Bulloch County has no breed-specific ban; instead it fully incorporates Georgia's dangerous-dog statute into its own animal control article and assigns a dog control officer to enforce it against any dog's behavior, not its breed.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Bulloch County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

This article shall incorporate completely O.C.G.A. title 4, chapter 8, article 2 related to dangerous dog control. ... (a)Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 4-8-22, the board of commissioners shall designate one or more dog control officers to enforce the laws of the state and this article as they relate to dangerous dogs and other animals.

Full Breakdown

title 4, chapter 8, article 2 related to dangerous dog control,' meaning the county enforces the state's behavior-based dangerous dog classification rather than writing its own breed list or breed ban. § 4-8-22, the board of commissioners designates one or more dog control officers to enforce state and local dangerous-dog law, and the sheriff's office, dog control officer or other designated officers must respond to reports of a dog biting a human and can immediately take custody of the animal if the owner cannot confine it from public access.

Officers may also take custody for observation if, in their professional opinion, a dog poses an immediate or potential threat. ' Repeat seizures for the same violation twice within 24 months result in conclusive forfeiture of the dog under Section 8-162, with the animal delivered to the Statesboro/Bulloch Animal Shelter.

Violations & Fines

Dangerous-dog violations are handled under the incorporated state statute and the county's own procedures: officers may seize the dog, and Section 8-163.2 sets a penalty of up to $1,000.00, up to 60 days in the county jail, or both, for violations of this animal control chapter, in addition to forfeiture of the animal after a second seizure within 24 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bulloch County ban specific dog breeds?
No. Section 8-152 incorporates Georgia's dangerous dog statute, O.C.G.A. title 4, chapter 8, article 2, completely into the county's article, so dogs are classified as dangerous based on their conduct and history rather than their breed.
Who enforces dangerous dog rules in unincorporated Bulloch County?
Section 8-153 has the board of commissioners designate one or more dog control officers, and the sheriff's office, dog control officer or other designated officers respond to bite reports and can immediately take custody of a dog that poses a threat.
Can I tether a dog that has been classified as dangerous?
No. Section 8-163.1(b)(4) requires that a lawfully tethered dog has not been classified dangerous or vicious; a dog with that classification cannot be tethered outdoors under the county's tethering rule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bulloch County

All Bulloch County rules

How Bulloch County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Bulloch County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview

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