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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 5-5, Animals at large
Scope
Unincorporated DeKalb County only
First offense
Written warning under § 5-28(o)
Off-leash parks
Allowed only where designated

Summary

Dog and cat owners in unincorporated DeKalb County must keep animals restrained on their own property and leashed or controlled off it; letting a pet run loose on streets, in parks or on others' property is a violation.

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

It shall be unlawful for the owner of an animal to allow it to run at large unattended on or about the streets, rights-of-way, and highways of unincorporated DeKalb County; in any DeKalb County park, except in county parks that are specifically designated as off leash areas; unattended on or about the common property of any apartment complex or condominium community; or on the property of another person without permission of the owner of that property. This section shall not apply to dogs being used for hunting in accordance with state law, rules and regulations.

(Ord. No. 15-09, Pt. I, 12-15-15)

Source: Dekalb County Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

DeKalb County Code § 5-5 makes it unlawful for an owner to let an animal run at large unattended on streets, rights-of-way and highways of unincorporated DeKalb County, in county parks outside designated off-leash areas, on shared apartment or condo common areas, or on another person's property without permission. A hunting-dog exemption applies under state law. Section 5-4 separately requires restraint and control any time an animal leaves the owner's property, except in designated off-leash parks.

Violations & Fines

A first offense under article II gets a written warning under § 5-28(o); a second or later violation is cited under the county's general penalty: up to a $1,000 fine or 120 days jail (§ 1-10).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog be off-leash in a DeKalb County park?
Only in county parks specifically designated as off-leash areas under § 5-5; elsewhere, animals must be attended and restrained.
What happens the first time my dog is caught at large?
An animal enforcement officer issues a written warning under § 5-28(o); a second violation is handled as a citation under the county's general penalty.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsExotic PetsSignificant RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All DeKalb County rules

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