Potential changes to Albany, Georgia’s, animal ordinances and dangerous dog laws were presented to City Commissioners at their August 18, 2020, meeting. Resident dog owners are urged to contact their city commissioners to learn more about this issue and how to participate in the development of new animal laws.
Among other provisions, the proposal recommends:
- Requiring the confiscation of any dog suspected of being either potentially dangerous or dangerous. The costs of confiscation, custody, and care of the dog would be paid by the owner throughout the resulting legal process, which under current law could stretch over several weeks.
- Increasing requirements for owners of dogs determined to be potentially dangerous or dangerous. While mandatory confiscation and increased requirements for dangerous dogs may be reasonable, such actions may not always be warranted for a “potentially dangerous” dog, which by definition could include a dog that has never been involved in a biting incident.
- Expanding the membership of the Animal Control Board from three to five members. The current three-person board is required by law to include the chief of police or the chief’s designee; the president of the Albany Humane Society or the president’s designee; and one individual appointed by the city Board of Commissioners.
What You Can Do:
City staff reports that input has been received from various individuals and organizations, and that work is ongoing to draft a fair and effective animal ordinance. Albany residents are urged to contact their city commissioners to learn more about this issue and how to participate in the development of this and other laws that affect dogs and dog owners. Click here for commissioners’ contact information.
For questions or additional information, please contact AKC Government Relations at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.