Appling County to publicize draft animal-control ordinance, schedule April and May hearings

Appling County commissioners approved publishing a working draft of a proposed animal-control ordinance and authorized staff to begin two rounds of public notice and hearings, with a target of final consideration in May.

The draft, presented by staff, is modeled closely on a Pike County ordinance and is described in the packet as tracking Georgia’s responsible dog‑ownership law. Staff said the approach would give the sheriff’s office stronger enforcement tools—fines and citations—and allow the county to rely on the city pound under an intergovernmental operating agreement rather than immediately building a county-owned shelter. "We've had several meetings where we brought it up…this is the first working draft for you to consider," staff said when introducing the document.

Commissioners and residents pressed for clarity on enforcement and costs. One resident urged the board not to build a new shelter and noted that other counties saw deterrent effects from fines; staff cited Wayne County’s experience where fines initially produced frequent enforcement activity and later reduced incidents. Staff also pointed out that, under state law as quoted in the packet, a landowner has defense rights when livestock or property are harmed by animals—language the draft mirrors.

The board discussed options for enforcement: deputizing city officers, working with the sheriff’s office (the transcript notes the sheriff currently functions as the county’s animal‑control officer), or entering into a memorandum of understanding with the city to use its licensed pound and add space if needed. Staff recommended advertising the draft at least 15 days before the April meeting, then republicizing before the May hearing so the public would have two opportunities to comment.

The board approved a motion to adopt the draft as a working document and proceed with public input. The county did not adopt a final ordinance at this meeting; instead it scheduled the required public-notice period and two hearings with the intention of voting in May. Next steps: staff will post the working draft online, coordinate with the city on pound capacity and licensing, and prepare materials for the April public hearing.