Forsyth County, GA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Off-Property
- Must be under control
- Parks
- Six-foot leash required
- Rabies
- Required at 3 months
- Tag & Collar
- Required for dogs
- Enforcement
- Sheriff Animal Services
Summary
Forsyth County requires every animal to be kept under control off the owner's property under Code section 14-31, and leashed in county parks. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs and cats at three months (14-104).
It shall be the duty of the owner of any animal or anyone having an animal in his possession to keep the animal under control at all times while the animal is off the real property limits of the owner, possessor or custodian. For the purposes of this section, an animal is deemed under control when it is confined within a vehicle; is secured by a leash, lead, electric collar, or other device held by a competent person; or is properly confined within an enclosure with permission of the owner of the property where the enclosure is located.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 43).
Full Breakdown
Under Forsyth County Code section 14-31, an owner must keep any animal under control whenever it is off the owner's property: confined in a vehicle, secured by a leash, lead, or electric collar held by a competent person, or in a permitted enclosure. Being at large is a violation regardless of precautions taken. Section 14-33 bars using a tether or chain as a dog's primary restraint. Every dog and cat three months or older must be vaccinated against rabies and registered with the county (§ 14-104), and dogs must wear a collar and current rabies tag. Enforcement is by the Sheriff's Office Animal Services Division.
Violations & Fines
An animal at large may be impounded and the owner cited under section 14-31. Repeat leash, tethering, or rabies violations can compel a mandatory county dog permit and property inspection under section 14-187.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog have to be on a leash?
Is rabies vaccination required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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