Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 2
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
An Ordinance to Prohibit Transient and Outdoor Sales of Dogs, Cats, and Domestic Rabbits in DeKalb County, Georgia
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Michelle Long Spears
Phone Number: 404-371-2863
PURPOSE:
To adopt the attached ordinance prohibiting transient and outdoor sales of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits in DeKalb County, Georgia.
NEED/IMPACT:
Pet overpopulation has reached crisis levels in the State of Georgia. DeKalb County’s animal shelter consistently operates above capacity, necessitating euthanasia for space on a weekly basis.
The purpose of this ordinance is to prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits in transient, outdoor locations (such as parking lots and roadsides) in unincorporated DeKalb County. Additionally, it encourages municipalities within the county to pass the same ordinance.
Many outdoor locations where pet sales occur lack “state and federal regulatory oversight,” leading to harmful breeding practices and contributing to pet overpopulation. This ordinance, along with the Companion Animal Litter Permit ordinance, aims to address these concerns.
Other Georgia jurisdictions that have implemented a ban on transient sales of companion animals include Fulton, Athens-Clarke, Forsyth, and Hall counties, as well as the cities of Johns Creek and Gainesville. These lawmakers recognize that responsible breeders do not sell their litters to passersby in parking lots and roadsides.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance to Prohibit Transient and Outdoor Sales of Dogs, Cats, and Domestic Rabbits in DeKalb County, Georgia and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute all necessary documents.