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

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Code section
Clayton County Code Sec. 14-3
Off premises
Leash + direct human control
On premises
Fence, pen, cage, trolley, enclosure
Tethering
Only trolley/runner system
Enforcement
Clayton County Animal Control

Summary

In unincorporated Clayton County, a dog off its owner's property must be leashed and under the direct control of a person able to restrain it. Confinement by fence, pen, cage, trolley, or secure enclosure counts as 'under control' on the premises.

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

Under control means any animal shall be considered under control if it is confined by fence, pen, cage, trolley system, or secure enclosure on the premises of its owner or is secured by a leash when not confined or off the premises of the owner.

Source: Clayton County Code § 14-3 (Municode)View official code

Full Breakdown

Clayton County Code Chapter 14 (Animals), Sec. 14-3, defines when an animal is 'under control.' On the owner's premises the animal may be confined by a fence, pen, cage, trolley system, or secure enclosure; off the premises it must be secured by a leash and held by a person of sufficient size and maturity to keep it from trespassing or causing injury or damage. Animals not under control are treated as running at large and may be impounded by Clayton County Animal Control (operated under the Police Department).

Violations & Fines

Running at large is an ordinance violation; loose animals are impounded and the owner pays reclaim fees (Sec. 14-253) after the holding period (Sec. 14-246). Additional fees apply if the reclaimed animal lacks a current rabies vaccination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Clayton County require dogs to be leashed?
Yes. Under Sec. 14-3, a dog off the owner's property must be on a leash held by a person able to restrain it. On the property it must be fenced, penned, caged, or on a trolley system.
Can I chain my dog in the yard?
Clayton County Animal Control allows tethering only with a trolley or runner system, not a fixed stationary chain, and the animal must have food, water, shelter, and current rabies vaccination.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clayton County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsCat RulesLight RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Clayton County rules

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