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

Code section 12-1002(e)(2) defines wild and exotic animals broadly, naming monkeys, nonhuman primates, raccoons, skunks, wolves, squirrels, foxes, leopards, panthers, tigers, lions, lynx, ferrets, bears, wild rabbits, tarantulas, wild rodents, and reptiles including crocodiles, alligators, snakes, caiman, and gavials, plus any animal the animal shelter supervisor separately designates. Because that definition sits inside the same chapter that regulates ownership, restraint, sanitation, and nuisance conditions for all animals under sections 12-1001 through 12-1017, a wild or exotic animal kept in violation of any of those provisions, such as the restraint, sanitation, or nuisance rules in section 12-1005, is treated the same as an abandoned or abused animal: section 12-1015(a)(4) lists any wild and exotic animal kept in violation of the chapter among the animals subject to immediate impoundment and confinement by the animal control shelter supervisor, a deputy, or any law enforcement officer.

Once impounded, a wild or exotic animal cannot be returned to circulation through the shelter's normal adoption process. Section 12-1016(b)(2)(b) flatly states that wild and exotic animals shall not be adopted, distinguishing them from the ordinary rehoming path available for dogs and cats. The chapter also cross-references County Health Department rules pertaining to animals in Appendix III, sections 301 and 303, which separately regulate keeping livestock, hogs, and other animals near residences. Violations of the chapter fall under section 12-1017's general enforcement, punishable per Georgia law and Code section 1-1007, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense.