Atlanta’s Dog Bite Regulations

Atlanta’s animal control laws are unique unto themselves.

1. Within the Atlanta city limits and unless they are visiting a dog park with their owner/caretaker, all dogs are required to be on a leash.
2. Walking dogs without a leash warrants a police citation.  
3. Owners must keep their animals under control at all times, even at a designated dog park.
4. If a dog becomes aggressive or menacing, the owner is required to restrain the animal and take him or her away from public spaces.
5. More so than nearly any city in the United States, Atlanta’s dog bite laws defend the dog’s owner. It is the victim who bears the burden of proof.

1. The owner is responsible when a dog attacks someone IF the plaintiff successfully proves that the animal is inherently vicious.
2. The Plaintiff must prove that the dog’s owner was negligent.
3. The attack was unprovoked.
   

Not surprisingly, someone is bitten by a dog every day in the United States. Most are not serious, unless the dog doesn’t let go. Then you’ve got some real problems. Where children and the elderly are concerned,a dog bite can be life-threatening and even fatal. Over the past 15 years, nearly 400 US citizens have perished from dog bites.

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Once Bitten?

If you are the victim of a dog attack, immediately document as much as possible about the incident.

1. Name and contact information of the dog’s owner
2. A detailed (as possible) description of the dog
3. Names and contact info of witnesses
4. Seek medical attention as dog bites often become infected

Every dog in Atlanta is required to be vaccinated. If the animal’s vaccinations are not current,  you could be at risk for the following

• Rabies
• Bacterial infections
• MRSA
• Tetanus

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, contact The Law Offices of Robert A. Rivers. We can help!