Chatham County, GA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Standalone law
- None: uses limits and cruelty rules
- Cat cap
- 8 cats per residence
- Dog cap
- 6 adult dogs per acre
- Neglect standard
- Adequate food, water, space, sanitation
- Remedy
- Citation, seizure, impoundment
Summary
Chatham County has no standalone hoarding statute, but it curbs hoarding through hard numeric pet limits (8 cats, 6 dogs per acre) and its cruelty/neglect provisions, which bar failing to provide adequate food, water, space, shelter, and sanitary conditions.
No person who is the owner or custodian of any single-family residence which is zoned for single family residences shall have greater than eight (8) cats, unless all animals are permanently confined to the actual living space of the family residence.
Full Breakdown
Hoarding is addressed through two levers. First, §22-212 caps a single-family residence at 8 cats and 6 adult dogs over one year of age per acre unless all animals are permanently confined indoors. Second, the Chapter 22 cruelty-and-neglect provisions make it unlawful to abuse or neglect an animal, including 'Neglecting to provide adequate drink, adequate food, adequate space, adequate shelter, adequate ventilation and/or sanitary conditions' and failing to provide veterinary care. Animal Services officers may inspect, cite, seize, and impound animals from an owner who exceeds the limits or keeps animals in cruel or unsanitary conditions, and severe cases can be referred for criminal cruelty prosecution under Georgia law.
Violations & Fines
Violations bring a fine of $100-$1,000 per count plus impoundment and restitution (§22-106); cruelty and neglect can also be charged criminally under Georgia's animal-cruelty statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chatham County have an animal-hoarding law?
What happens if animals are kept in unsanitary conditions?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
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