Donalsonville, Georgia

Sec. 8-45. – Unlawful treatment of a dog.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any owner or other person controlling or possessing any dog to:

(1) Leave a dog tethered outdoors while unattended, unless the dog has adequate shelter, potable water, shade from direct sunlight and an area that allows the dog to avoid standing water.

(2) Tether, fasten, chain, tie or restrain a dog, except by means of a properly fitting harness or collar of nylon or leather construction and a tether in proportion to the size of the animal. The tether must be at least 15 feet in length with a swivel at both ends.

(3) Tether a dog outdoors under conditions where the animal or tether can become entangled on the tether, another animal, or some other object, or where the tether can restrict the tethered animals access to suitable, edible, and sufficient food, clean water (cool in summer and unfrozen in winter), and appropriate shelter.

(4) Tether a dog for more than ten hours in a 24-hour period or for more than 15 hours in a 24-hour period if the tether is to a running line, pulley or trolley system.

(5) Tether the dog outdoors in unsafe or unsanitary conditions, or when said tether does not allow the animal to defecate or urinate in an area separate from the area where it must eat, drink or lie down.

(6) Expose a dog to any weather conditions that cause immediate imminent threat to the animal’s well-being.

(b) A person who is convicted of, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, a violation of this section shall suffer the following minimum punishment:

(1) First offense minimum fine: $50.00.

(2) Second offense within a one-year period, minimum fine: $100.00.

(3) Third offense within a one-year period, minimum fine: $250.00.

(4) Forth or subsequent offense within a one-year period, minimum fine: $500.00.