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Columbia County, GA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

At Large: Unlawful (§ 14-6)
Off Property: Leashed or enclosed
Rabies: Required at 3 months
State Law: O.C.G.A. § 31-19-5
Enforcement: County Animal Services

Summary

Columbia County bars animals from running at large in the unincorporated county under Code Sec. 14-6 and requires a dog off its owner's property to be leashed, crated, or securely enclosed. Rabies vaccination is mandatory at three months.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Columbia County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be unlawful for any owner or possessor of an animal to allow such animal to run at-large within the unincorporated areas of the county, whether or not such animal is wearing a collar and tag. ... It shall be the duty of the owner or custodian of any dog to keep such dog under restraint and control at all times while the dog is off the real property limits of the owner, possessor or custodian.

Source: Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 54).

Full Breakdown

Under Columbia County Code Sec. 14-6, it is unlawful to let any animal run at large in the unincorporated county, and off its owner's property a dog must be under control, whether confined in a vehicle, secured by a leash held by a competent person, or in a permitted enclosure. Owners must also keep dogs from leaving their own land. Georgia has no statewide leash law, so this local rule controls. Every dog and cat must be vaccinated against rabies by three months of age (Sec. 14-17; O.C.G.A. § 31-19-5). County Animal Services, within Community and Leisure Services, enforces the rules and also serves the City of Grovetown.

Violations & Fines

An animal at large may be impounded, with impound and daily boarding fees to reclaim it, and citations under Sec. 14-20. An unvaccinated impounded animal must be vaccinated at the owner's expense before release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dog have to be on a leash?

Off your property, a dog must be under control, leashed and held by a competent person, confined in a vehicle, or in a permitted enclosure. Letting an animal run at large is unlawful.

Is rabies vaccination required?

Yes. Every dog and cat must be vaccinated against rabies by three months of age under Sec. 14-17 and Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 31-19-5).

Sources & Official References

[1]Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.)

Other rules in Columbia County

Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Wildlife FeedingFew Restrictions Breed RestrictionsFew Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant Restrictions

All Columbia County rules

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