Pet trespassing, waste ordinance, etc... (Atlanta: HOA, neighborhood, law)

[Osmanthus]

I'm posting this here because it is location specific...to Metro Atlanta area. I'd appreciate any input.

I tried to research GA law on this topic, but couldn't find much in detail. What I've found are rather vague and don't specifically state dog owner's responsibilities and the possible fine for violation (if there's any), etc.

Does anyone know anything about 'pet trespassing'--- leaving wastes behind on others' property (repeatedly), when walked by the pet owner?

Some dogs are on a 50-feet-long leash and can practically come up to the front door (or side yard) and poop. The dog owner either walks away (leaving the waste behind on the front door) or walk up to the front door (or windows) to pick up the waste. Personally, I don't feel it's appropriate for anyone walking around someone else's property 50 feet into the property line...and it goes for the dog as well...especially when the dog is accompanied by the owner.

Is there a pooper scooper law in GA?

Is there a trepassing law in GA (by the pet and the pet owner, esp.) that I can look up? I couldn't find much on this, either. These pet owners with very long dog leashes use other people's yard as their "dog run"....some letting the dog run around between bushes and on flower beds....with tangled up leashes around the tree, etc.....

One of the board members for the HOA does this with his dog.
I'd like to gather some articles (laws or regulations) before I can present this issue to the board meeting.

Much thanks in advance.

-O

[ericsonga]

Check your county ordinances. I know in Gwinnett it's a violation. If you in Gwinnett, I can get you the link.

[Osmanthus]

I'm in Gwinnett County. I've already checked the County Animal Ordinance.
However, it does not specify anything about removing waste.

Although the article doesn't specify about the length of the leash, the dog (running around and between someone's flower bed) should not be considered lawfully 'restrained', although the dog is 'leashed'.....per 'restaint' ordinance (Sec. 10-29).

What do you think?

I searched "trespassing law" for the county, city and the state of GA, but nothing came up on google search... Could you help on it?

Thanks!!

-O

[ericsonga]

This should help:

http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/animal_welfare/pdf/Animal_Control_Ordinance.pdf (broken link)

Sec. 10-29 (b) "Reasonable care and precautions shall be taken
to prevent the dog from leaving the real property limits of its owner, possessor, or custodian"

I had a problem with my neighbors dog running around while they were at work and reeking havoc on the neighborhood. I called animal control and they were really helpful, and eventually we got everything resolved. I would give them a call and just ask what you can do, the number is 770.339.3200. Hope you get this resolved!

[Osmanthus]

I've talked to some of the HOA officers. They concluded the dog and the owner will need to be reported to HOA, when they become a 'nuisance' for the homeowners, whether the dog is leashed or not.

Yay!

-O

[Leslie Chukowsky]

Dog droppings are not property damage. FindACaseâ„¢ | State Farm Fire v. David Cabatbat