Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they are still animals and are capable of being dangerous or vicious. Georgia law recognizes that some dogs pose a threat to public safety. Therefore, dangerous or vicious dogs must be registered.
Georgia Code §4-8-27 covers the registration of canines. Dangerous dogs are those that inflict a serious injury or present an imminent threat of serious injury other than simply growling, barking or showing their teeth. A vicious dog is one that has inflicted a serious injury upon someone who was reasonably trying to escape the dog attack.
With regards to dangerous dogs, in general a certificate of registration will only be issued if the following elements are met. First, the owner must have the dog contained in an enclosure that keeps the dog on their property, indoors or in a locked pen, fence or other structure that keeps the dog on the owner’s property. Second, the owner must post warning signs that there is a dangerous dog on their premises. These signs must be clearly visible and affixed to all entrances to all areas the dog resides in.
When it comes to vicious dogs, in general a certificate of registration will only be issued if the following elements are met. Like a dangerous dog, the vicious dog must be contained to the owner’s premises and there must be warning signs on the premises where the dog resides. However, the dog must also be microchipped. Finally, the owner must carry a minimum of $50,000 in liability insurance with regards to any bodily injury the canine may inflict.
If an owner was convicted of violating this article two or more times, he or she cannot receive a certificate of registration for a vicious dog. Also, under Georgia law, a person cannot own two or more vicious dogs.
Due to the threat of danger they possess, dangerous or vicious canines in Georgia must be registered. If they are not, and their dog attacks, the victim of the attack may want to consider taking legal action. It may be possible for them to seek compensation for the medical expenses, emotional damages and pain and suffering they suffered in the attack. This financial compensation can go a long way in helping the dog bite victim recover from their dog bite injuries. This can help them move forward with their life.