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Committee defers DeKalb pet‑sale ban and tighter tethering rules for more legal review
Summary
Commissioner Long Spears introduced an ordinance to prohibit retail sales of dogs, cats and rabbits in unincorporated DeKalb and a companion ordinance to strengthen tethering rules; both were deferred two weeks so county attorneys can finalize language and coordinate with partners including the Georgia Pet Coalition.
Commissioner Long Spears introduced two animal-focused ordinances to the HERPS committee and asked for a short deferral to finalize legal language with county attorneys and partners.
First, item 2026-0278 would amend DeKalb County Code (chapter 5) to prohibit retail pet-shop sales of dogs, cats and rabbits in unincorporated DeKalb County. Long Spears said the ordinance aims to protect animal health and welfare, reduce inhumane breeding conditions and promote responsible ownership; he said the city ordinances in Doraville and Dunwoody already prohibit similar sales within their municipal boundaries.
Second, item 2026-0596 would strengthen the county’s existing tethering ordinance and address transport and restraint concerns; staff and stakeholders (including the Georgia Pet Coalition) are still fine-tuning the text. Both sponsors asked for a two-week deferral to allow Interim County Attorney Phillips and Deputy County Attorney Laura to review and finalize the items. The committee voted to defer both ordinances for two weeks.
Next steps: legal staff will finalize ordinance language and return to committee for deliberation after the two-week deferral.
