My family and I have big, beautiful dogs that we love and care for deeply. We firmly believe that our animals have the right to be outside in safety, while we also maintain the freedom to manage our property as we see fit. However, constraints are being imposed upon us and others in our community, hindering the exercise of these rights. Homeowner associations’ persistent attempt to retain control has extended to an unnecessary degree, making us feel that our choices, our property, and our services to the nation are undervalued.

Among us are disabled veterans who served this country with honor. Yet, they grapple with PTSD and severe emotional anxiety. Regrettably, our community’s standoff against our desires adds to these burdens, akin to a gesture of disapproval of their service. It is as if their sacrifices are being sidelined.

We are calling for a change to the law in Georgia that requires a privacy fence for the erection of dog kennels of any structure. A study by the American Pet Products Association in 2019/2020 revealed that 38.4% of households in the United States own a dog (source: APPA). Let’s ensure that these households have the freedom they deserve, to care for their pets in a way that suits them best.

We call upon lawmakers to amend this law and allow homeowners to construct their dog kennels following the code of Georgia, without the mandate for a privacy fence. Give our pets and our veterans the respect they deserve. We implore you to sign this petition to support change; we need to safeguard our right to care for our pets and manage our property as we please.