Forsyth County, GA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- County Role
- Refers to GA DNR
- Code Section
- § 14-45
- State Permit
- Wild Animal License
- State Law
- O.C.G.A. § 27-5-4
- Prohibited
- Big cats, primates, bears
Summary
Forsyth County defers wild-animal matters to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources under Code section 14-45. Keeping exotic or wild animals requires a state Wild Animal License from GA DNR; many species are prohibited outright.
All complaints and matters, with the exception of an animal bite, concerning wild animals not of a domestic nature and complaints involving game animals or protected species and/or hunting shall be forwarded to the state department of natural resources, game and fish division or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Law Enforcement Division for proper disposition, i.e.. compliance, apprehension, control and/or enforcement as may be necessary as provided by state and federal rules and regulations.
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
Forsyth County's animal chapter does not license exotic pets itself. Section 14-45 directs all complaints and matters concerning wild animals, other than bites, to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division, or the USDA. Georgia regulates exotic and wild animals through the DNR Wild Animal License and permit system (O.C.G.A. § 27-5-4 et seq.), which flatly prohibits many species, large cats, primates, bears, venomous reptiles, and others, and requires permits and secure caging for those that are allowed. A resident must satisfy state licensing before keeping any regulated exotic; the county enforces 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 damage caused by an escaped exotic animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet in Forsyth County?
Who handles wildlife problems?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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