Animal Control Ordinance Revisions

Upon the request of the Chatham County Commissioners to study the compatibility of the Animal Control Ordinance with the Zoning Ordinance, the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission has partnered with Healthy Savannah and the Food Policy Council to assist in the study.

Dr. Blake Caldwell will lead a task force of diverse interests and backgrounds to develop and recommend an ordinance.

Why is the Animal Control Ordinance being revised at this time?

There are currently separate animal control ordinances for the City of Savannah and unincorporated Chatham County, although they are both administered by the Animal Control Unit of the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. Additionally the keeping of animals is also currently addressed in the zoning ordinances.

Recently, chicken owners in unincorporated Chatham County were cited for keeping chickens in violation of the zoning ordinance. It came to light at that time that the keeping of chickens in the City was allowed although not in the County. The MPC was asked to look at the relationship of the zoning ordinance and animal control ordinance and ensure a level of consistency between the ordinances for the City and County.

Why are dogs and cats excluded from the revisions?

The ordinance for dogs and cats has been updated in the past five years in both the city and county so is not out of date.

Who is on the Task Force?

The Task Force is comprised of community advocates and appropriate government entities.  These include representatives from: Animal Control, Health Department, Humane Society, Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, MPC, chicken keeping community, bee keeping community, and horse keeping community. Click here for a full list.

What is the process for creating the new ordinance?

The Task Force has had tow meetings ( October 27, 2011 and December 5, 2011) and there will be several subsequent meetings (dates and times TBD). It is anticipated that the Task Force will develop a draft animal control ordinance and a recommendation on how to address the keeping of animals in the zoning ordinance. This ordinance and recommendation will be evaluated by MPC and will be forwarded with a recommendation to the County Commission and City Council for adoption. It is anticipated that adoption will occur in the first quarter of 2012.

Can I attend the meetings?

Yes. All meetings are open to the public and agendas will be posted on this webpage. The Task Force meets at the MPC (112 East State Street).

For more information, please contact Ellen Harris at harrise@thempc.org or 912-651-1482.