Liability for Dog Bite at Pet Shelter

With dozens of dogs kept at shelters and kennels throughout the state of Georgia, these areas serve as a prime location for a dog bite to occur.  The following reviews parties that may be held liable in the event that a dog bite at pet shelter or kennel.

Georgia’s Dog Bite Law

Georgia Annotated Code § 51-2-6 to 7 reads that the owner or keeper of a dog that is known to be vicious or dangerous and who carelessly allows the dog to cause injury to another person will be held liable for all damages incurred.

Essentially, for a dog bite attack on another’s property the owner or person in charge of the dog will be held liable for any damage done by that dog if the following criteria are met.

  • The dog was known to be vicious or dangerous
  • The owner of the dog carelessly let the dog be “at liberty”
  • The victim did not provoke the injury

This type of law is often referred to the “one bite” law, as a dog typically gets one ‘free’ bite before being deemed vicious or negligent.

Liability for an Attack at Pet Shelter/Kennel

Because Georgia dog bite law reads that liability lies with the owner or keeper of a dog, a shelter or kennel may be held liable for any dog bites/attacks caused by an animal that it is harboring.

However, if the shelter or kennel had no knowledge of the dog’s propensity to bite, or/and if the victim provoked the dog, then the shelter/kennel may not be held liable. This is also true if the victim knew of the dog’s nature, yet chose to associate with the dog regardless. This is especially true if the dog was not at liberty and was instead restrained or contained, and the person who was bitten approached the dog of his or her will.

Learn More About Dog Bite Liability in Atlanta

Dog bite liability isn’t always straightforward. While a pet shelter worker or owner will be held liable when a dog that is known to be violent is not restrained and causes harm to another person, many things can play into negligence and liability (such as the role of the victim prior to the bite).

If a dog has bitten you in a kennel or shelter in Atlanta, the Law Office of Jason R. Shultz, P.C., can help you file a claim for damages and prove liability. In Georgia, you only have two years to file your claim and recover damages. To schedule a consultation with our legal team today, contact Jason R. Schulz now at 404-474-0804. 

A Georgia Dog Bite Attorney Can Help Seek Justice

Jason R. Schultz has been handling premises liability injury cases in Georgia for more than 20 years. He has deep compassion for dog bite and animal attack victims and has witnessed just how devastating the long-term ramifications of the attack can be. His top priority is to pursue diligently a full and fair settlement for each of his clients. When he takes on a dog bite case, he puts forth the time and effort needed to present a thorough claim and uses his legal skills and resources to the client’s benefit. Jason is a dog bite lawyer that represents clients and cases in Georgia communities such as Atlanta, Marietta, Peachtree City, Newnan, Savannah, Athens, Lawrenceville, Gainesville, Dunwoody, and more. For dog attack injury counsel, you’re invited to contact the office today at 404-474-0804 to schedule a free one-on-one consultation.