VALDOSTA — While some laws are universally known, many animal welfare laws are frequently overlooked, according to area officials.

Some pet owners may not even be aware any laws are being broken.

Linda Patelski, Lowndes County animal welfare director, shared three of the most commonly broken laws and misconceptions associated with animal-related ordinances.

Section VI of the Lowndes County Animal Control Ordinance addresses leash laws for the county. Patelski said many residents feel if they reside in unincorporated Lowndes, outside of any city’s limits, then leash laws do not apply.

However, leash laws apply to everyone in the community.

“Citizens that live inside city limits and in unincorporated Lowndes County must have dogs on a leash if they are off the property, or under voice command if the dog is on the owner’s property,” Patelski said. “In addition, it is not lawful for cats to roam off their owner’s property.”

These laws have been put in place by the county to prevent stolen, hurt or lost pets and to prevent the production of unwanted litters.

Fines for not following these laws can cost hundreds of dollars and can increase as frequency rises.

Rabies control is another issue as numerous cases of rabies are reported in residential Lowndes County. While bringing pet food inside a residence at night can cut down on potential rabies-infected wildlife from coming near pets, the risk still exists.

Section XVI of the ordinance states: “It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian to keep any dog, cat or ferret in the county unless that animal, at all times and at all places, is wearing a valid and currently in effect Rabies Control Tag.”

Rabies vaccinations are the only vaccines required by law for pets and must be administered by a licensed veterinarian to be valid.

Patelski said if a pet bites someone and the owner is unable to prove the pet has been vaccinated, the pet will be placed under quarantine. In addition, the owner can be subject to numerous fines.

One law particularly relevant to this time of year in Georgia is Section XVI.

The section covers cruelty to animals which includes the necessity of proper shelter.

The following, as outlined in the ordinance, are considered inadequate shelter: underneath outside steps, underneath houses, inside or underneath motor vehicles, inside plastic or metal barrels, inside cardboard boxes, inside temporary animal carriers or crates, shelters located in flood-prone areas, shelters surrounded by debris, obstructions or impediments that may endanger or harm an animal.

The law states dogs chained outside for any amount of time must have adequate shelter and access to clean water.

“If a dog’s health is allowed to suffer due to exposure, cruelty charges beyond local ordinances will most likely result,” said Patelski. “Penalties in state and superior courts can range from thousands of dollars in fines to even jail time.”  

The complete Lowndes County Animal Control Ordinance can be found online at www.lowndescounty.com.