Introduction

This article examines Georgia statutes concerning animal control and liability for injuries caused by animals in the context of professional dog walking services.

Scenario

A professional dog walker walks three dogs on leashes through a residential area on College Street in Macon, Georgia. One dog pulls free from its leash and runs into the street. A driver swerves to avoid the dog and collides with a parked vehicle. The dog walker attempts to retrieve the escaped dog but cannot reach it before the collision occurs.

Georgia Law

Liability for Animal-Caused Injuries

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.”

General Negligence Standard

Georgia Code § 51-1-2: “Every person owes a duty to all other persons to exercise ordinary care not to injure them by any act or by any failure to act.”

Dogs Running at Large

Georgia Code § 4-8-5: “It shall be unlawful for the owner, or any person having custody and control of a dog, to permit such dog to be out of control and unattended off the premises of the owner or on the property of another person without permission of the owner of the property or other person authorized to give permission, unless the dog is under the immediate control of a person by means of a leash.”

Bailment Responsibilities

Georgia Code § 44-12-41: “A bailee shall exercise ordinary care in the safekeeping and return of the bailed property. A bailee shall be liable for the loss of or injury to the bailed property while in his possession where such loss or injury results from his failure to exercise ordinary care.”

Conclusion

The scenario describes a dog escaping from a professional dog walker in Macon, Georgia, causing a traffic accident. Georgia Code § 51-2-7 addresses liability for animal-caused injuries. Georgia Code § 4-8-5 addresses dogs running at large. Georgia Code § 44-12-41 addresses bailment duties. These statutes establish the framework for dog walker responsibilities under Georgia law.

FAQ

Q: What does Georgia Code § 51-2-7 state about liability for animals? A: Georgia Code § 51-2-7 states a person 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.”

Q: What control requirements does Georgia Code § 4-8-5 impose? A: Georgia Code § 4-8-5 makes it “unlawful for the owner, or any person having custody and control of a dog, to permit such dog to be out of control and unattended off the premises of the owner.”

Q: What duty does a bailee have under Georgia Code § 44-12-41? A: Georgia Code § 44-12-41 states: “A bailee shall exercise ordinary care in the safekeeping and return of the bailed property.”

Q: Where are animal control laws found in the Georgia Code? A: Animal control laws are found in Georgia Code Title 4, Chapter 8, and liability laws in Title 51.

Q: Does Georgia Code § 51-1-2 apply to all persons? A: Georgia Code § 51-1-2 states: “Every person owes a duty to all other persons to exercise ordinary care not to injure them by any act or by any failure to 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.