Houston County, GA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Default rule
- Livestock/fowl banned without county permission
- Enforcement
- Animal control officer, Magistrate Court citation
- Covered animals
- Cattle, horses, donkeys, mules, goats, sheep, fowl
- Exception path
- R-AG zoning or 5+ acre lots
- Neglect standard
- Food, water, shelter, vet care required
Summary
Houston County bans keeping cattle, horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, goats, sheep or fowl on any property in the unincorporated county unless a county ordinance permits it, per Code Sec. 10-8. Rural R-Ag zoning and the county's five-acre exception are the usual path to legally keep them.
It shall be unlawful for any person to raise, keep or permit to be raised or kept on premises that he owns or controls within Houston County any wild nondomestic animal, or any cattle, horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, goats, sheep, or fowl, unless permitted by the ordinances of the county.
Full Breakdown
Sec. " That default ban is why the county's separate pet-limit rule in Sec. 10-19 explicitly exempts "residential lots of five (5) or more acres or for lots zoned Residential Agricultural (R-AG)" from its dog-and-cat caps, since larger and R-AG-zoned lots are where the county's ordinances allow livestock and fowl to begin with. An animal control officer enforces Chapter 10 and can issue a Magistrate Court citation under Sec. 10-3 based on personal knowledge or a witness's sworn statement. General neglect rules apply equally to any livestock kept lawfully: Sec.
10-12 requires "sufficient and wholesome food and water," shelter, and veterinary care, and Sec. 10-15 bars exposing poison where an animal could eat it. Any violation is punishable under Sec. 10-2 as provided in Code Sec. 1-11, the county's general penalty provision.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Sec. 10-8 is enforced by citation to Magistrate Court under Sec. 10-3, with penalties set by the general penalty schedule in Sec. 1-11; animal control officers may also remove animals found neglected or abused under Sec. 10-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in unincorporated Houston County?
Does the five-acre exception apply to livestock too?
Who enforces the livestock and fowl rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston County
How Houston County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Houston County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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