Mark Casto | August 29, 2024 | Dog Bite Lawyer Near Columbus Georgia
The Animal Care and Control Center (ACC), which serves the residents of Columbus, GA, is tasked with overseeing various animal-related issues. In addition to dealing with pet adoptions, providing shelter for lost or unwanted animals, and reuniting owners with their lost pets, this organization will humanely catch nuisance animals and pick up dead or unwanted animals.
The ACC is also responsible for enforcing city ordinances and state laws relating to domestic animals, including laws regarding dog bite attacks. The organization tracks animal bite incidents in the city. Because this could be important for liability purposes, you must report an attack.
You can contact the ACC at 706-225-4512 or stop by the location at 4910 Milgen Road during business hours. It is also recommended that you report incidents to the police, who can help to capture the dog and identify the owner, if necessary, or at least file a police report to help with a compensation claim.
Why do dog bite attacks occur, and what laws are in place to protect citizens from vicious animals?
Dog Bite Attack Statistics
Dog bite attacks may happen in private homes or public venues. You might even suffer a workplace injury in a dog-friendly work environment.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are over 84 million dogs in the U.S., with 45% of homes having at least one dog. While many owners are careful to control their pets, about 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year, and child injuries are the most common.
These attacks account for over $1.1 billion in insurance claim payouts annually, with the cost of an average claim exceeding $58,000. It’s not easy for victims to avoid bites, but owners can do a lot by following existing laws (such as leash laws), socializing their pets, and avoiding risky situations.
Common Causes of Dog Attacks
Some dogs may have vicious or aggressive temperaments, perhaps related to their experiences.
However, even domesticated dogs are subject to animal instincts, and these could lead to bite incidents if a dog is:
- Scared
- Startled
- Threatened
- Sick/hurt
- Protecting something or someone
Dogs that are untrained or haven’t been socialized to behave around people or pets may also attack. Even friendly play could involve biting. Often, when an attack occurs, it’s not the animal’s fault but the owner’s, and this is where liability comes into play.
Georgia Dog Bite Laws
Georgia Code Annotated section 51-2-7 states that owners are liable for damages when a dangerous animal causes injury to another person, but there are some caveats. For example, owners are not liable if the animal is provoked. In addition, the state has a modified one-bite rule.
While the law generally only holds owners liable if they know the animal is vicious or dangerous (meaning they could get away with the first bite but not subsequent attacks), this won’t apply if the owner fails to follow city, county, or state ordinances like public leash laws.
The city of Columbus requires dogs to be on a leash or in voice command when not on the owner’s property. So, if a dog is running wild in violation of the ordinance and attacks unprovoked, the owner is liable, even if the dog has shown no previous vicious tendencies.
What To Do If a Dog Attacks in Columbus, Georgia
If you or a loved one is the victim of a dog attack, seek medical attention immediately. If possible, take pictures of the dog, the bite, and the scene and collect contact information from the owner and any witnesses. Contact the police and the ACC, as well as a qualified Columbus dog bite attorney, to protect your rights and prepare to claim compensation.
Contact the Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers at Mark Casto Law Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus Personal injury accident lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808, Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030