DeKalb County bans leaving dogs chained up outside unattended

Dog owners in unincorporated DeKalb County will no longer be allowed to leave their dogs chained or tied up outside unattended under a new county ordinance.

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The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 on Nov. 10 to end unattended dog tethering and require owners to provide proper outdoor enclosures for pets kept outside.

The new ordinance eliminates the previous allowance for unattended tethering, including running cables and trolley systems.

It also establishes minimum space requirements for outdoor dog enclosures and strengthens safety requirements for transporting animals in open-air vehicles.

DeKalb joins Henry, Walton and Clayton counties, among others, in prohibiting owners from leaving dogs tied up in one spot outdoors without supervision.

When do the new rules take effect?

Dog owners will have six months after the county CEO signs the ordinance to make the required changes.

County leaders also recognize that some families may have trouble affording an outdoor enclosure.

District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, who sponsored the legislation, and Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry have committed a combined $50,000 toward a proposed pilot program to help eligible residents secure humane outdoor enclosures for their pets.

Long Spears said the ordinance gives county animal services a clearer standard to enforce while establishing requirements for how dogs are kept outdoors.

The new rules apply to unincorporated DeKalb County.

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