Smyrna, GA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 14 incorporates the Georgia dangerous dog control law by reference (§ 14-4) and defines the categories by what the dog did. A dangerous dog is one that, according to county records, has without provocation inflicted severe injury on a human being or, after being classified as potentially dangerous and the owner being notified, has aggressively bitten, attacked or endangered humans. A potentially dangerous dog is one that has without provocation bitten a human being on public or private property. Neither definition names a breed. Dogs used by law enforcement, and dogs that injure a trespasser, tormentor or criminal, are excluded.

Section 14-10 governs possession. It is unlawful to have a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog without a certificate of registration issued by the county, limited to one certificate per person or owner and one per domicile. The CCAC manager issues it only on proof of a proper enclosure and a county dangerous dog sign posted on the premises. Owners of dangerous dogs must also show a liability policy or surety bond in the amount specified by the State of Georgia. The certificate is renewed annually on the date the dog was declared dangerous, with an annual fee set by the board of commissioners or city council and paid to CCAC. CCAC can inspect randomly and without notice.

Owners must notify the dog control officer within 24 hours if the dog is loose, unconfined, has attacked a human, has died, or has been sold or donated, and within ten days of moving. Someone moving into the city must register the dog in Cobb County within ten days. Under § 14-11(b), a dangerous dog outside its enclosure must be muzzled and held on a chain or leash of not more than six feet; a potentially dangerous dog needs the same leash. Vicious animals are handled in § 14-12.1 with a proper enclosure and warning sign after a conviction or plea.