Byron approves limit on dog ownership, adoption fee increase

BYRON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – New laws are on the books in Byron that are intended to increase the wellness of animals in the city, according to to Byron Animal Control.

The city approved an ordinance that restricts the number of dogs a Byron resident can own to four. Cpl. Clay Fauquier says it’ll help cut back on stray and mistreated dogs.

“Limiting the number of dogs people can have in the city limits will give me a tool and the other officers a tool to combat dog fighters, puppy mills and unlicensed breeders,” Fauquier said.

People living in Byron who have more than four dogs won’t get in trouble but if their number of dogs gets down to four, the ordinance begins to apply, according to Fauquier.

Byron also approved increasing the adoption and impound fee at the Byron Animal Shelter.  Next on Fauquier’s agenda is passing an ordiance to reduce the number of people that tether their dogs. Fauquier says tying up dogs makes them more aggressive and likely to bite. The ordinances received overwhelmign support on the Byron Animal Shelter Facebook page.