Alpharetta, GA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Alpharetta's own Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 does not write its own at-large, leash or restraint rule. Instead, Section 6-1 adopts by reference 'the county regulations, as amended, pertaining to rabies and animal control,' declaring them 'fully enforceable within the city' and directing that a copy be kept on file in the office of the city clerk. Because animal control for the city is handled by Fulton County Animal Services rather than a city department, this adoption clause is the operative authority behind every leash, at-large and restraint requirement enforced against dog owners inside city limits: whatever the county's animal control ordinance requires for confinement and restraint applies here as if the city council had written it directly into the municipal code.

Section 6-2 then substitutes the city's own enforcement teeth for the county text: rather than whatever penalty the county ordinance specifies, 'any person who violates any provision of this rabies control ordinance shall be deemed to have violated a valid city ordinance' and is punished under Section 1-8, the Code's general penalty, a fine of up to $1,000.00, up to 180 days in jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation charged separately. A resident who wants the county's exact wording on leash length, tethering or fenced-yard requirements must review the incorporated county regulations on file with the city clerk, since the adopting ordinance itself does not restate those terms.