Georgia’s Dangerous Dog Registry and Your Bite Claim

Moving quickly to protect your rights is essential if you’ve been bitten by a dog in Georgia. Part of this will be determining if the animal is listed on the state’s dangerous animal registry. The registry identifies dogs with a history of aggressive behavior. To learn more, connect with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer.

Listing Dogs as Dangerous or Vicious

In Georgia, the Responsible Dog Ownership Law aims to protect the public from dogs that may pose a threat. The registry is part of this law, designed to track animals that have shown aggressive tendencies. Local animal control authorities are responsible for assessing dogs and determining if they meet the criteria for being labeled as dangerous or vicious.

• The designation of dangerous dog is given to animals that have caused a substantial injury to a person in an unprovoked attack.
• Vicious dogs are animals that have seriously injured an individual or were involved in an attack that resulted in a loss of life.

Once a dog is classified as dangerous or vicious, it is placed on the registry. Owners of dogs on this list are required to meet stricter standards, such as having special enclosures for the dog, carrying liability insurance, and clearly displaying warning signs. Vicious dogs may even face euthanasia if the threat is considered severe.

Owners of animals that are registered as dangerous or vicious dogs are required by law to follow specific guidelines. If they fail to do so and their dog attacks someone, they often face higher legal liabilities, such as larger compensation claims for victims.

Reporting an Attack Protects Your Interests

Following a dog bite, the first step you should take is to seek medical attention, even minor bites can lead to infections or long-term injuries. Next, report the incident to local animal control authorities. They will investigate and determine whether the dog qualifies for the dangerous dog registry or is already listed. Finally, consult with a legal professional to ensure that you receive the settlement you deserve.

The presence of a dog on the dangerous dog registry can bolster a victim’s legal claim. Officials are more likely to view an attack by a registered dangerous or vicious dog as a preventable incident, which strengthens the victim’s argument for their right to financial relief. With clear evidence that the dog posed a known threat, victims are in a better position to secure the result they are hoping for.

While every claim has its own unique considerations, owners of animals with a history of aggression will have a more difficult time defending themselves. If the dog involved in your attack is already on the registry your chances of proving negligence and securing compensation are significantly improved. Working with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer will also fortify your case.

Could you benefit from legal guidance following a dog bite incident? The knowledgeable attorneys at Zagoria Law have the skills to guide you through the entire legal process. When you are ready to uphold your rights and seek justice, contact us.