Georgia's Responsible Dog Owner Act

According to the Georgia Responsible Dog Owner Act, the owner of a dog bears sole responsibility if their pet attacks another individual or animal. This law ensures the safety of Georgia residents and enforces accountability for dog owners.

If you have suffered injuries in an attack by a dog or another animal, you may be dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial turmoil. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you may be eligible to claim.

How Is Ownership Defined?

In the aftermath of a dog attack, many at-fault individuals try to shirk their responsibility for the incident by claiming they are not the dog’s owners. In the context of the Responsible Dog Owner Act, a person has ownership of a dog when they possess, keep, or have control or custody of a dog. If the dog resides on a person’s premises, the person can qualify as its owner.

What Is the Definition of a Dangerous Dog?

A dog may be determined to be “dangerous” if it causes a significant puncture – not a nip, scratch, or scrape – in a person’s skin using its teeth. Alternatively, a dangerous dog attacks aggressively and poses a threat of serious injury to a person. Growling, barking, or showing teeth alone is not enough. If the dog kills a pet while off the owner’s property, the law also considers it dangerous.

What Are the Requirements for a Dangerous Dog?

Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law requires owners of dangerous dogs to:

• Register their pets and get a registration certificate
• Confine the dog on the owner’s property in a locked, secure enclosure
• Post a sign warning of the “dangerous” dog

These dogs must only leave the property on a short leash and under the immediate physical control of a capable person. They may also leave the property in a locked cage or crate. Any violations of these requirements can result in the confiscation of the dog and legal penalties for the owner. What is the average settlement for dog bite cases in Georgia?

What Is the Definition of a Vicious Dog?

A dog may be classified as “vicious” if it inflicts a serious injury on a person. If the person suffers a serious injury while attempting to escape the dog’s attack, Georgia law will also classify the dog as “vicious.” For example, this may involve the fleeing victim running into the street and suffering injuries in a traffic collision.

What Are the Requirements for a Vicious Dog?

The requirements for owning a vicious dog are stricter than those for a dangerous dog. Among other conditions, owners must:

• Register their pets and get a registration certificate
• Maintain a $50,000 liability insurance policy for bodily injury or property damage the vicious dog causes
• Have a secure, locked enclosure to keep the dog on their property
• Microchip the vicious dog
• Keep the vicious dogs on the property unless they are leashed, muzzled, and under control or in a locked cage or crate

Violations of these requirements can result in severe penalties, including the immediate confiscation of the dog.

Are There Any Exemptions from the Responsible Dog Owner Act?

This law has several exceptions, including situations where the injured person was trespassing, attempting to commit a crime, or abusing the dog. Dogs working in a military or police context may also be exempt under certain circumstances. Speak to an experienced Georgia dog bite attorney to determine whether any of these exemptions might apply in your case.

If the Dog’s Owner Has the Dog Off Their Property, Does the Dog Have to Be On a Leash?

Both dangerous and vicious dogs must be on a leash not exceeding six feet long. They must also be under the immediate physical control of a person capable of restraining the dog when off their owner’s property. In some instances, owners may also transport them in a locked cage or crate.

Can the Dog Be Impounded?

Failure to comply with the Georgia Responsible Dog Ownership Law can result in immediate confiscation of the dog. A dog can be impounded if the owner violates the requirements for owning a dangerous or vicious dog. A law enforcement or dog control officer may also impound a dog that threatens public safety.

What Is the Penalty for Violating the Responsible Dog Owner Act?

Violations of this law can result in a range of penalties. General non-compliance can lead to misdemeanor charges. More serious offenses, such as a classified dog causing severe injury, can lead to felony charges. Penalties may include imprisonment and fines.

Can a Dog Be Euthanized Under This Law?

A judge may order the euthanasia of a dog if it has seriously injured a human or presents a danger to humans. However, this requires a local governmental authority to file a civil action requesting euthanasia or that the owner was convicted of a crime involving the dog. A dog that has caused severe injury to a human on more than one occasion must be euthanized.

Contact a Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer

Suffering injuries in a dog bite attack can lead to untold amounts of pain and psychological trauma. You may also feel a burning sense of injustice when the owner did not take steps to control their dog despite its previous behavior. You should not have to shoulder the burden of medical bills, missed time at work, and other losses because of a negligent dog owner’s actions.

The experienced and compassionate dog bite attorneys at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC can be your advocate at this difficult time. Our skilled legal team will investigate the incident to determine whether the dog owner bears liability for their animal’s actions and will fight for the maximum compensation available for your losses. Contact our offices today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.