Georgia Dog Bite Laws

In this article, we’ll examine the dog bite laws in Georgia, how fault is determined in dog bite claims, and how dogs are assigned certain classifications.

Dog Bite Responsibility in Georgia

Letting your dog romp free in one of Atlanta’s beautiful parks may sound wonderful. But beware of running afoul of the law. Georgia is a ‘one bite rule’ state. This means that once a dog has at least one bite on their record, the owner is expected to be aware of the potential threat their dog presents.

While the owner can still be found liable if their dog has no first bite on file, they are expected to be more careful if their dog has bitten before. They are held to a higher standard for liability. As set out in 2012’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law, the dog owner must understand the level of threat it carries and take steps to minimize risk to others.

Dog owners in Georgia aren't held strictly liable. But they may be found liable if they're negligent in taking care of their dangerous dog. The Responsible Dog Ownership Law sets minimum standards at a state level, but counties and cities can add more restrictions and penalties.

In general, you’ll be responsible for any damages or injuries your dog causes if it’s off your property.

Georgia Dog Classifications

Once a dog has at least one recorded bite incident, an animal control official will use the Responsible Dog Ownership Law to do a case evaluation. This will determine whether the dog should be classified as either vicious or dangerous.

Dangerous Dogs

The lesser of the two classifications, a dog can be considered dangerous for reasons that include:

• Causing a substantial puncture of a person by teeth without causing serious injury
• Aggressively attacking in a manner that poses an imminent threat of serious injury to a person or another animal
• Killing a pet animal while off the owner’s property, although there are some limited exceptions

If you have a dog classified as dangerous and move to another locale in Georgia, you must alert both the animal control officer in the jurisdiction you’re leaving and the officer in the one you’re moving into.

Vicious Dogs

Dogs considered “vicious” in the eyes of Georgia have increased levels of violence in their incidents. The guidelines for gaining the label “vicious” are:

• Inflicting a serious injury on a person
• Causing serious injury to a person attempting to escape the dog’s attack, such as falling, hitting an object, being hit by a car, etc.

A serious injury means a physical injury that:

• Creates a substantial risk of death
• Results in broken/dislocated bones or cuts that require multiple stitches
• Requires plastic surgery or a hospital stay
• Brings on prolonged impairment of health (i.e., infection or damaged organ)
• Causes pain and suffering

In addition to the responsibilities shared by all dog owners, those with dogs classified as either vicious or dangerous have additional requirements as well, some of which are the following:

• Certificates of registration must be renewed annually
• Signs warning of the presence of the dog must be posted at all entrances to the property
• The dog cannot leave the property unless on a six-foot leash and under control
• Vicious dogs must also be muzzled to leave the property
• There must be a lockable enclosure available on the property

Violation of any requirement, including careless management, is at least a misdemeanor against the dog’s owner.

Georgia Dog Bite Laws at a Glance

If you’re going to be involved in a dog bite case, it’s crucial to understand the pertinent laws. In the following table, you can find a quick overview of dog bite laws in Georgia as well as links to relevant statutes.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts that include federal decisions, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Questions About Dog Bite Laws in the State of Georgia

While every situation is going to be unique, there is often common ground between dog bite cases. Below are some frequently asked questions concerning the laws in Georgia.

What should I do after I’ve been bitten by a dog?

Your primary concerns should be getting away from the attacking creature and seeking medical assistance at once. The doctor treating you is required to report the injury to the local animal control officer. But you should also file a claim with local law enforcement. This will help you later if you have to file a personal injury case.

If you can, try to gather evidence like statements from witnesses, your medical bills, and any correspondence from an insurance company. Depending on how badly you were injured, you may wish to contact a dog bite lawyer to explore your legal options.

How do I know if the bite I suffered needs medical attention?

Unless you’re a medical professional or have one close by during the bite incident, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and see a physician. The severity of a bite can be judged by using the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale. This scale can also be useful for gauging the dog’s demeanor.

Remember that being treated for a bite means that the incident will be reported to the local animal control officer. If the dog is a habitual biter, you might be saving someone from the same fate.

Georgia Dog Bite Laws: Related Resources

Please visit the links listed below for additional information and resources related to this topic.

• Georgia Accident and Injury Laws
• Dog Bite Laws by State
• Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
• Animal Attack and Dog Bite Claim Resources

Learn More About Georgia Dog Bite Laws: Speak to a Local Attorney

There are no winners when a dog bites someone. If you've been bitten by a dog or other animal in Georgia, you might want to contact an experienced animal and dog bite attorney near you to learn about your rights and options. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and show you the best path forward.

If your dog has been accused of a bite incident, having a dog bite attorney well-versed in personal injury law can help protect both you and your pooch. When facing a dog bite lawsuit, it’s important to have a skilled advocate in your corner.