LIVESTOCK

Atlanta City Code pt. II, ch. 18, art. II

in effect

Atlanta City Code § 18-31 Definitions.

Sec. 18-31. - Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: At large includes every animal classed as livestock running freely beyond the limits of the lands of its owner or manager, upon the streets or upon private or public property. Livestock includes horses, mules, cows, sheep, goats, hogs and all other animals used or fit either for food or labor. (Code 1977, § 14-4001)

Atlanta City Code § 18-32 Running at large.

Sec. 18-32. - Running at large. No person having custody, control or charge of any animal classed as livestock shall suffer it to run at large or open any enclosure where the animal may be confined or in any way release the animal from any confinement for the purpose of permitting it to escape therefrom. (Code 1977, § 14-4002)

Atlanta City Code § 18-33 Impounding livestock at large.

Sec. 18-33. - Impounding livestock at large. Whenever any officer of the city having police authority shall find any livestock at large, the officer shall impound the animal and make an immediate report thereof to the police chief, who shall comply with the requirements of O.C.G.A. §§ 4-3-3—4-3-11, as to the appraisement, care and disposition of the impounded livestock. (Code 1977, § 14-4003)

Atlanta City Code § 18-34 Driving through streets.

Sec. 18-34. - Driving through streets. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive any animal classed as livestock through the streets or public places of the city. (Code 1977, § 14-4004)

Atlanta City Code § 18-35 Leaving horses in streets unattended or unbitted.

Sec. 18-35. - Leaving horses in streets unattended or unbitted. (a) No horse shall be left unattended in any street nor shall any horse be unbitted in any street. (b) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to horses being used by on-duty police officers. (Code 1977, § 14-4005)

Atlanta City Code § 18-36 Grazing livestock on private property.

Sec. 18-36. - Grazing livestock on private property. (a) Permission required. No person shall be permitted to herd or graze cattle or other livestock on any lot in the city without first securing permission in writing from the owner or agent of the owner of the lot. (b) Enforcement. Any cattle or other livestock found upon any lot, contrary to subsection (a) of this section, shall be considered as running at large and shall be taken up, advertised and sold in accordance with section 18-33. (Code 1977, § 14-4006)

Atlanta City Code § 18-37 Keeping hogs or pigs prohibited.

Sec. 18-37. - Keeping hogs or pigs prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep hogs or pigs within the corporate limits of the city, with the exception of miniature potbellied pigs. (Code 1977, § 14-4007; Ord. No. 2002-16, § 1, 3-12-02)

Atlanta City Code § 18-38 Sale and feed stables.

Sec. 18-38. - Sale and feed stables. (a) Petition required. Sale and feed stables may be operated only in sections of the city zoned for industrial uses. Any person desiring to open, operate or maintain a sale or feed stable in any section of the city shall first file a petition with the department of police for a license or permission to open and operate the stable. The petition shall distinctly and fully describe the lot or house at or in which the stable is to be located, giving its number, if any, or if no number the names of the owners of adjoining property. The petition shall not be entertained by the department of police unless it bears the written consent and approval of the owners of a majority of the real estate lying within a radius of 150 feet of the location, measuring in all directions. (b) Action on petition. The petition, when filed as provided in subsection (a) of this section, shall be referred to the license review board for action, and no action shall be taken by the mayor until it is returned thereto by the board with its approval. When so approved and returned, the petition shall be considered by the mayor and if, in the mayor's judgment, the location of the stable will not be injurious to persons living in the neighborhood or amount to a nuisance or discomfort, the mayor shall grant the applicant permission to open, operate and maintain the stable. Without that sanction, neither the chief financial officer nor any other officer shall issue a permit or license therefor. (Code 1977, § 14-4008)

Atlanta City Code § 18-39 Keeping hoofed animals.

Sec. 18-39. - Keeping hoofed animals. Hoofed animals, such as horses, cows, goats, sheep and the like, may be kept within the city limits, subject to the following: (1) Housing and enclosures. All these animals must be provided with adequate housing, pens or enclosures. Floor space in such housing, pens or enclosures must have the following minima: a. Horses, mules, asses or cows, 200 square feet per animal over four months of age. b. Sheep or goats, 150 square feet per animal over four months of age. (2) Location. Housing, pens or enclosures where such animals are kept shall be placed at the following minimum distances from any residence or any business establishment regularly used by large numbers of people: a. Distance from any residence except that of owner, 150 feet. b. Distance from nearest business establishment, 150 feet. c. Distance from owner's residence, 25 feet. (3) Maximum number. The maximum number of such animals which may be kept on a single premises shall not exceed the following: a. Horses, mules, asses or cows, five. b. Sheep or goats, ten. (4) Application to city property. The provisions of this section 18-39 shall not apply when the livestock and/or hoofed animals are located on property owned or leased by the city. (Code 1977, § 14-4009; Ord. No. 2007-02, § 1, 1-22-07)

Atlanta City Code § 18-40 Location of private stables.

Sec. 18-40. - Location of private stables. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or use a private stable nearer than 75 feet to any residence or place of business, without the consent of the owner and occupant of the adjacent residence or place of business. (Code 1977, § 14-4010)

Atlanta City Code § 18-41 Stalls on ground level.

Sec. 18-41. - Stalls on ground level. It shall be unlawful for any person to house or stall horses, mules or cows in any building at a higher level than that of the first or ground floor thereof. This shall apply to all buildings, whether used specifically for the housing of animals or for any other purpose. (Code 1977, § 14-4011)

Source: City of Atlanta, Code of Ordinances (Charter and Related Laws, General Ordinances, Land Development Code) (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ga/atlanta/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOORENOR_CH18AN_ARTIILIFetched: 10/28/2026