Catoosa Country Nuisance Ordinance

Dogs barking constantly depreciate the value of homes located close to those who let their dogs do this.
Please help us make Plemons Estates a quiet peaceful place to live.
A maximum fine of $1000 and jail sentence (60 day maximum) is part of a state law regarding animal nuisances.

THE FOLLOWING CAN BE FOUND IN THE CODE OF CATOOSA COUNTY, GEORGIA. CATOOSA COUNTY ORDINANCES,
IN SECTION 14: 1 (ANIMALS)

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL
Nuisance means but is not limited to a dog or cat defecation upon property other than that of the owner, urination upon property other than that of the owner, destroying private property other than that of the owner, attacking persons on any property whatsoever, attacking other animals unless used in the sport of hunting as allowed by state law, emitting noxious or offensive odors that spread to property other than that of the owner, spreading garbage upon any property other than the owner, or any dog that by it's loud, continuous barking disturbs the peace of persons other than the owner. For the purpose of this chapter "loud, continuous barking,” means any sound emitted by the dog, which can be heard at distance of over one hundred feet and continues for more than five minutes with out interruption. All dog and cat owners shall ensure that their dog or cat shall not be a nuisance; if the owner's dog or cat becomes a nuisance, the owner shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter.
Owner means any natural person or any legal entity, including but not limited to a corporation, partnership, firm or trust owning, possessing, harboring, keeping or having custody or control of the animal for three or more days, regardless of whether the days follow one another; this term shall include joint owner and the resident spouse of the person who owns the animal (because such spouse lives in the same residence and therefore has custody and control over such an animal). Owner does not refer to any person considered a juvenile, under the laws of this state, who resides with either his or her parents or legal guardian, (as said parents or guardian are considered the legal owner of such an animal).

Sec. 14-2. Department of animal control; established, authority granted.
The department of animal control is hereby established for the purpose of administration and enforcement of this chapter, any related ordinances, codes or laws adopted by this county, any municipality within the county or the State of Georgia, pertaining to animals kept within or transported through the county.
The director of animal control, his or her employees, the sheriff, deputy sheriff, or other peace officer are granted the authority to enforce this chapter and any other related state, county or municipal code, ordinance or law, pertaining to animals kept within or transported thru the county and to bring before the proper judicial authority, persons believed to be in violation of the same.
The department of animal control shall also be responsible for operating the Catoosa County Animal Shelter. This facility will be operated under federal, state and local laws and regulations at all times. (Amend. of 11-20-01(1))

Sec. 14-3. Punishment.
(a) Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be punished as provided in section 1-19. In addition to the aforementioned fines the court may impose court cost for each offence, or may combine the court cost, upon the discretion of the court if any multiple violations occurred at or about the same date.
(b) In addition to all other penalties provided for in this section, the judge is authorized to require any party to pay restitution to any person who has received any property damage or personal injury as a result of acts that constitute a violation of any portion of this article. (Amend. of 11-20-01(1)

Sec. 14-9. Restraint of animals.
The owner or keeper of each dog or cat within the county shall be responsible for keeping it from becoming a nuisance or from endangering or injuring other persons or property, and shall further keep such animal under control at all times. It further is the responsibility of the owner of every dog or cat to identify the owner of said animal by an appropriate rabies inoculation and county registration tag worn by the animal.
(Amend. of 11-20-01(1)

What can you do to keep your dog from barking and disturbing your neighbors?

Dogs, who behave while their owners are at home, but howl or bark continuously when they are absent, have usually been badly spoiled. They are accustomed to constant companionship, and consequently feel injured when they find themselves left alone at home.
To cure this bad habit, you must accustom your dog to staying quietly alone in one room when you put him there. Start his training some weekend morning when someone will be on hand all day. After the dog has had his morning exercise, put him alone in a room and shut the door. If he howls, make him stop at once. Usually scolding is sufficient, or you may try balancing a flat piece of wood on the door to emphasize your command to "be quiet!" Occasionally, it may be necessary to punish him by slapping him lightly under the chin. After an hour or so, if he has been quiet, let him come out.
After the dog has had an hour of liberty, put him back into the room, release him again after another hour of good behavior. Repeat this all day, and by the evening, the dog will have learned that he must stay quietly in a room alone. If you live in a small apartment and do not have a spare room, try the same procedure by having your dog stay quietly in a box of kennel instead of a room.
Once your dog has learned this, it is a simple step to accustom him to remain quietly by himself while you are away. For a few times, you will have to return after leaving the house to find out if he is behaving. If he is barking, punish him. Soon your efforts will be rewarded and your dog will learn to be quiet during your absence. As a suggestion, always leave some of the dog's favorite toys in the room for him to play with.
Dogs that bark excessively even when his owner is home usually occur when the dogs are kept too long in a fenced yard or wire run.
The solution is to walk your dog early in the morning and late at night, and to keep him in the house during the day. Put him in the fenced yard or wire run only when he needs to go there for relief and see to it that he keeps quiet when he is outside.
If he barks for no good reason while you are walking him or during the day, there are various ways to check him. Scolding is usually enough. Or if sterner treatment is called for, you may have to discipline him. Or turn the hose on him. He will soon learn that silence pleases you and earns him a reward.