§ 4-8-22 - Jurisdiction of local governments; joint dog control services; dog control officer; animal control board or local board of health to hold hearings - Georgia Statutes

O.C.G.A. 4-8-22 (2010)
4-8-22. Jurisdiction of local governments; joint dog control services; dog control officer; animal control board or local board of health to hold hearings

(a) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (b) of this Code section, a county's jurisdiction for the enforcement of this article shall be the unincorporated area of the county and a municipality's jurisdiction for such enforcement shall be the territory within the corporate limits of the municipality.

(b) Any county or municipality or any combination of such local governments may contract or enter into agreements with each other for joint dog control services or for the provision of dog control services required by this article and for the separate or joint use of personnel, facilities, and equipment used in the provision of such services.

(c) The governing authority of each local government shall designate an individual to carry out the duties of a dog control officer as provided in this article. One individual may carry out the duties of a dog control officer for more than one local government pursuant to a contract or agreement under subsection (b) of this Code section. The governing authority of a local government may assign the additional duties of dog control officer to any officer or employee of the local government who is subject to the jurisdiction of the governing authority. With the consent of the sheriff, the governing authority of a local government may assign the additional duties of dog control officer to a county sheriff or to a sheriff's deputy. With the consent of the county board of health and the rabies control officer, the governing authority of a local government may assign the additional duties of dog control officer to a rabies control officer appointed under Code Section 31-19-7. A person carrying out the duties of a dog control officer shall not be authorized to make arrests unless the person is a law enforcement officer having the powers of arrest.

(d) The governing authority of a local government may provide by ordinance or resolution for the creation of an animal control board to hold hearings provided for in Code Section 4-8-24. If such an animal control board is created, such board may hear and determine matters provided for in Code Section 4-8-24. An animal control board may be created jointly by two or more local governments under the provisions of subsection (b) of this Code section.

(e) In lieu of conducting the hearings required by Code Section 4-8-24 or creating an animal control board for such purpose as provided in subsection (d) of this Code section, the governing authority of each local government is authorized to designate the local board of health within the jurisdiction of such local government to conduct such hearings. Any board so designated is authorized and shall have jurisdiction to conduct such hearings and determine matters provided for in Code Section 4-8-24.