COBB COUNTY, GA — Roadside sales of pets will soon be prohibited in Cobb County under a new ordinance approved by commissioners. The measure bans the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits from cars, parking lots, and flea markets, making Cobb the 17th jurisdiction in Georgia to pass similar restrictions.
Cobb County Animal Services Director Steve Hammond says the change is aimed at protecting animal welfare and curbing unlicensed backyard breeders.
“We don’t know how they were treated, have they been vetted properly, and when you’re dealing with a licensed breeder you’re normally getting a pet that has gone through the process and been vetted,” Hammond said.
Violators will face citations and hefty fines, and in some cases could even be arrested.
Advocates say the ordinance gives animal control and police officers another tool to stop breeders who sell unhealthy or unvetted animals along busy roadsides.
WSB Radio’s Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.