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

The duty to restrain sits in Chapter 5 of the Code of the City of Brookhaven, Georgia (Ord. No. 2016-10-01). Sec. 5-4 applies to any person, not just the owner, and it covers any animal: Sec. 5-1 defines an animal as every living vertebrate except a human being. Whenever the animal is off the real property limits of the owner, it must be under restraint and control, at heel or on a leash. City parks are included. The leash rule lifts only in park areas specifically designated by appropriate signage and fencing as off leash areas, and where a park has no such signage and fencing the animal must be under restraint and control.

Sec. 5-5 targets the owner. It is unlawful to allow an animal to run at large unattended on or about the streets, rights-of-way and highways of the City of Brookhaven; in a City of Brookhaven park outside a signed and fenced off leash area; unattended on or about the common property of an apartment complex or condominium community; or on the property of another person without that person's permission. Dogs used for hunting in accordance with state law, rules and regulations are exempt from Sec. 5-5. Sec. 5-1 defines an animal at large as any animal moving without physical restraint and not on its owner's property.

The owner's own lot has separate rules under Sec. 5-3. An animal outside its enclosure must be secured by a leash or lead under the control of a responsible and competent person, or be off leash under the direct control of a person who is physically present with it, provided the animal is obedient to that person's command. Tethering of an animal is prohibited by Sec. 5-3(d). Sec. 5-2(c) adds that owners must immediately remove excrement deposited on any street or right-of-way, except for guide dogs and animals used for law enforcement.

The Police Chief enforces the chapter under Sec. 5-19, and the Chief's designees include DeKalb County Animal Control personnel. If the owner is unknown or absent and the animal is on public streets, school grounds or another person's property without permission or proper restraint, the police impound it immediately.