Code §22-103(b) makes it unlawful to permit a dog to run at large in unincorporated Chatham County. Dogs must be under manual control off the owner's property, including in parks and on county facilities.
Chatham County Code Chapter 22 (Animal Control), Article I, Section 22-103 governs dogs at large. Section 22-103(b) makes it unlawful for the owner of any dog to permit the dog to run at large. 'At large' is defined as any dog not under manual control of a person and on any public road or on property not belonging to the owner without the property owner's permission. The same subsection states that a dog off a leash, even with the owner present, is not permitted within unincorporated county parks, playgrounds, county-owned facilities, cemeteries, schools, or similar areas. Section 22-103(c) prohibits retractable leashes longer than 6 feet (in the unlocked position) at any permitted gathering, including parades, farmers markets, and outdoor festivals. Section 22-208 prohibits single-point tethering; only a trolley system is permitted. Section 22-201 requires dogs and cats four months or older to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed through Savannah-Chatham Animal Services. Article III (Sections 22-301 to 22-307) addresses Classified (dangerous) Dogs, requiring proper enclosure, muzzle, and substantial chain or leash with physical restraint by a responsible person. Georgia's Responsible Dog Ownership Law (O.C.G.A. §4-8-20 et seq., including §4-8-29) sets statewide minimums in addition to these county rules.
Violations of §22-103 are county ordinance offenses citable by Animal Services officers under §22-106 and prosecuted in Recorder's Court. Penalties typically escalate from fines for first offenses to higher fines and possible misdemeanor charges for repeat or aggravated violations. Failure to vaccinate or license under §22-201, illegal tethering under §22-208, and violations of Classified Dog restraint requirements under §22-304 carry separate penalties and may result in impoundment of the animal.
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