Animal Ordinances in Newton County, GA (2026)

Newton County Code § 8-81

(a)Livestock and chickens. Livestock and chickens shall be limited to the number and type permitted according to applicable county zoning regulations.(b)Small mammals. Small mammals housed outside such as rabbits, guinea pigs and other small mammals kept for personal, non-commercial, purposes may be permitted provided the following requirements are met: One small mammal per 1,000 square feet of...

Newton County Code § 8-137

(a)Owners shall confine animals within an adequate fence or enclosure or in a house, garage or other building, adequate to prevent the animal from running at-large.(b)When a dog is off the premises, it must be controlled by leash, however, it need not be leashed if it is within sight of its owner and immediately heeds its owner's verbal commands. A dog in a moving vehicle must be confined in th...

Newton County Code § 8-160

It is unlawful to have a dangerous or vicious dog without a registered dog certificate. ... No owner may keep a dangerous or vicious dog within 200 yards of any aquatic center, church, convenience store, daycare, grocery store, hospital, human society, library, nursing home, park, playground, restaurant, school, skilled nursing unit, or walking trail, due in part to these being frequented by ch...

Newton County Code § 8-60

(a)No one may own a wild or exotic animal without a certificate of registration by the county.(b)Animal control shall issue a certificate of registration only if the owner presents sufficient evidence of proper licensing by state or federal agencies with an inspection report demonstrating compliance with the housing requirements of O.C.G.A. § 27-5-6.(c)The owner shall notify animal control if t...

Newton County Code § 8-80

(a)The maximum number of cats and dogs that may be kept shall be as follows: Over three acres: six dogs and six cats. One and one half to three acres: five dogs and five cats. 0.75 to 1.49 acres: four dogs and four cats. Less than 0.75 acres: three dogs and three cats. However, for any dwelling unit in a multifamily development (e.g., apartment, condominium, townhome, mobile home park, duplex, ...

Newton County Code §§ 8-106, 8-108, 8-134, 8-137

No person shall have any dog or cat in the county unless the dog or cat is vaccinated against rabies. ... However, consistent with section 8-107, cats shall not be required to wear a collar and a current rabies tag. ... (6)A cat in heat may not be allowed to roam. If outdoors, it must be confined in a secure enclosure. ... (d)Every dog or cat in heat shall be kept confined in a building or secu...

Newton County Code § 8-291

(b)Fees for reclaiming shall be as established in the schedule of fees.(c)No animal shall be returned unless the animal has been implanted with an EAID and the owner has paid the county for the implantation of such EAID.

Newton County Code §§ 8-3, 8-225

Animal establishment means an animal facility and services location, including, but not limited to, pet dealer, kennel, grooming shop, auction, or performing animal exhibition; any facility operated, owned or maintained by a humane society, animal welfare society or other nonprofit for the welfare, protection and humane treatment of animals; or other facility engaged in handling animals, exclud...