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Columbia County, GA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

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

Key Facts

County Role
Refers to GA DNR
Code Section
§ 14-7
State Permit
Wild Animal License
State Law
O.C.G.A. § 27-5-4
Prohibited
Big cats, primates, bears

Summary

Columbia County refers wild-animal matters to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources under Code Sec. 14-7. Keeping exotic or wild animals requires a state DNR Wild Animal License, and many species are prohibited outright.

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

All complaints and matters concerning wild animals, not of a domestic nature, and complaints involving game animals or protected species and/or hunting, shall be forwarded to the game and fish division of the state department of natural resources or the United States Department of Agriculture, Law Enforcement Division.

Source: Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 54).

Full Breakdown

Columbia County's animal chapter does not license exotic pets itself. Sec. 14-7 forwards all matters concerning wild animals not of a domestic nature to the Game and Fish Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources or the USDA. Georgia regulates exotics through the DNR Wild Animal License and permit system (O.C.G.A. § 27-5-4 et seq.), which flatly prohibits many species, including large cats, primates, bears, and venomous reptiles, and requires permits and secure caging for those allowed. A resident must satisfy state licensing before keeping any regulated exotic; the county handles domestic-animal rules and refers wildlife issues to the state.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a prohibited or unlicensed wild animal violates Georgia DNR law and can bring confiscation, state fines, and criminal charges. The owner is liable for any damage caused by an escaped exotic animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep an exotic pet in Columbia County?
Only if Georgia DNR allows it. The state's Wild Animal License system prohibits many species and permits others; Columbia refers all wild-animal matters to DNR under Sec. 14-7.
Who handles wildlife problems?
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division. Columbia County Code Sec. 14-7 forwards wild-animal complaints to the state or the USDA.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbia County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingFew RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant Restrictions

All Columbia County rules

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