Introduction

This article provides general information about Georgia statutes related to dog owner liability. The information presented consists of direct quotations from Georgia law and does not constitute legal interpretation or advice.

Scenario

A dog owner walks their dog on a leash in Tattnall Square Park in Macon, Georgia. A jogger approaches on the same path. The dog lunges and bites the jogger on the leg. The dog has no prior history of aggressive behavior. The incident occurs in a public park where dogs are permitted.

Georgia Law

Liability for Dog Bites

Georgia Code § 51-2-7: “A person who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind and who, by careless management or by allowing the animal to go at liberty, causes injury to another person who does not provoke the injury by his own act may be liable in damages to the person so injured.”

Local Ordinance Violations and Liability

Georgia Code § 51-2-7: “In proving vicious propensity, it shall be sufficient to show that the animal was required to be at heel or on a leash by an ordinance of a city, county, or consolidated government, and the said animal was at the time of the occurrence not at heel or on a leash.”

Dangerous Dog Classification

Georgia Code § 4-8-21(a)(1): “‘Dangerous dog’ means any dog that, according to the records of an appropriate authority: (A) Inflicts a severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property; or (B) Aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans without provocation after the dog has been classified as a potentially dangerous dog and after the owner has been notified of such classification.”

Conclusion

The scenario describes a dog bite incident in Tattnall Square Park in Macon, Georgia. Georgia Code § 51-2-7 addresses liability for injuries caused by animals. Georgia Code § 4-8-21 defines dangerous dogs. These statutes establish the framework for dog owner liability under Georgia law.

FAQ

Q: What does Georgia Code § 51-2-7 state about animal owner liability? A: Georgia Code § 51-2-7 states that a person who owns a vicious or dangerous animal and “by careless management or by allowing the animal to go at liberty, causes injury to another person who does not provoke the injury by his own act may be liable in damages to the person so injured.”

Q: How does Georgia law address leash law violations? A: Georgia Code § 51-2-7 states: “In proving vicious propensity, it shall be sufficient to show that the animal was required to be at heel or on a leash by an ordinance of a city, county, or consolidated government, and the said animal was at the time of the occurrence not at heel or on a leash.”

Q: How does Georgia law define a dangerous dog? A: Georgia Code § 4-8-21(a)(1) defines a dangerous dog as one that “Inflicts a severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property.”

Q: Where are dog bite liability laws found in the Georgia Code? A: Dog bite liability laws are found in Georgia Code Title 51, Chapter 2, and Title 4, Chapter 8.

Q: Does Georgia law address provocation in dog bite cases? A: Georgia Code § 51-2-7 specifies liability applies when injury occurs to a person “who does not provoke the injury by his own act.”

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, recommendation, or guidance. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. No actions should be taken based on the content of this article. For any specific legal matter, consult with a qualified and licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Scenario Disclaimer

The scenario described is entirely fictional and intended solely for illustrative purposes. Any resemblance to real persons, events, or situations is purely coincidental.