Gwinnett County, GA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- Fence, containment system, or leash
- Banned
- Single-point tethering, all circumstances
- At-large dogs
- Subject to impoundment
- Section
- Code § 10-71
Summary
Unincorporated Gwinnett County requires every dog to be kept under restraint or control, fenced, on an approved containment system, or on a leash, and bans single-point tethering outright.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any owner or possessor of any dog to fail to keep the dog under restraint or control as provided for in this section. (b) Single point tethering is strictly prohibited as a means of restraint, and for any other purposes under any circumstances. (c) A dog is considered not under restraint or control when it is running at large, whether wearing a collar and tag or not.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
Gwinnett's animal code makes it unlawful for any dog owner or possessor to fail to keep the dog restrained or controlled. A dog counts as under restraint only if it's securely enclosed in a locked fence, pen or building it can't escape; contained by a posted invisible containment system; or on a leash with a competent handler, or off-leash but obedient to voice command in the handler's immediate presence, while on the owner's property. Single-point tethering is banned outright as a restraint method, for any purpose, under any circumstances. Dogs found running at large can be impounded, and officers may pursue a loose dog onto private property to catch it.
Violations & Fines
Failing to keep a dog restrained, or using single-point tethering, is a chapter violation; the county's general penalty applies, and a dog running at large may be immediately impounded by animal welfare or police officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tether my dog to a single stake in unincorporated Gwinnett County?
Does my dog have to be on a leash in my own yard in Gwinnett County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gwinnett County
Compare Gwinnett County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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