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

Fulton County's leash law is in Part II, Chapter 34 (Health and Sanitation), Article VI (Rabies and Animal Control), Division 1, Section 34-205 (Running at large). In unincorporated Fulton County and any municipality contracting with the county for animal control, dogs must be confined to the owner's premises by a fence, wall, or other enclosure, or restrained individually by a leash no more than six feet in length and held by a competent person. Section 34-205 also prohibits restraining or anchoring a dog by tether unless the dog is attended by its owner; any temporary tether must connect to a properly fitted collar or harness rather than wrap around the dog's neck. Section 34-281 (Precautions to be taken by owners) requires that public-nuisance, dangerous, or vicious dogs be securely restrained by a leash not more than six feet long and humanely muzzled when in public, and prohibits chaining or tethering such dogs unattended to inanimate objects. Limited exceptions exist for police and service dogs, certified obedience or field trials, and hunting in agriculture-zoned areas with a valid hunting license and proof of vaccination. State law O.C.G.A. §4-8-20 et seq. (Responsible Dog Ownership Law) and §4-8-1 (rabies control) provide parallel authority. Fulton County Animal Services administers enforcement.