Stonecrest, GA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Sec. 5-1 defines a 'dangerous animal' as one that, per the records of an appropriate authority, causes a substantial skin puncture without serious injury, aggressively attacks in a way that would make a reasonable person fear imminent serious injury, or kills a pet animal off the owner's property, excluding working hunting, herding, or predator-control dogs from that last basis. A 'vicious animal' is one that inflicts serious injury on a person or causes serious injury during a reasonable escape attempt. Under Sec. 5-10(a), once the police chief, or a designee including DeKalb County Animal Control, learns of such an animal, a summons issues under the City Charter section 1.03(b)(1) for a classification hearing before the Stonecrest Municipal Court or DeKalb County Magistrate Court, set no earlier than 15 days after service, and the animal is immediately impounded.

Sec. 5-11 exempts an animal that bites or attacks someone who assaulted or is trespassing against its owner, has abused the animal, is committing a crime under O.C.G.A. Section 16-5-1 et seq., or when the animal is defending itself, its young, or serving in law enforcement or military duty. If classified, Sec. 5-10(d) requires an annual certificate of registration before release, and Sec. 5-10(c) allows appeal by petition for review to the Superior Court of DeKalb County.