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Owners of dangerous dogs to face new penalties
May 04, 2012 | 1770 views | 5 5 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgians who own dogs that are deemed dangerous will soon face penalties if their animals injure people under a bill recently signed into law.

Gov. Nathan Deal on Thursday signed House Bill 685, which provides definitions and hearing procedures for determining whether a dog is dangerous or vicious.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the bill defines procedures for handling and keeping such animals, including muzzling and requiring a secure enclosure. If a dog has been defined as vicious, the owner must carry $50,000 in insurance and the dog must have a microchip.

A dog owner could face at least a year in prison and at least a $5,000 fine if the dog injures someone on a second occasion.
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Comments
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Quadrunner
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May 06, 2012
I think everyone should be liable for their pet.My grandson was attacked by a pitbull and mauled pretty bad and the owners aren't even responsible for the doctor bills my daughter are faced with. The dog owners even lied about the rabies shot,what happens the owners have the dog back and nothing happens to them.
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tacomawoman
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May 05, 2012
I will always say that the owner should be held responsible...I've owned several large breed dogs that at one time were vilified (since been replaced by pit bull)...each decade it's a different breed...same irresponsible owners though!!! and unfortunately the media shows a pic of the latest "vicious" breed...why not show a small mongrel!!
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rt_elms
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May 05, 2012
Maybe because Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers and their mixes are responsible for approximately two-thirds of all human fatal dog attacks. However, in California a four-pound Pomeranian mauled a six-week-old infant to death back in 2000. At least our state politicians had the good sense and enough forethought to make this legislation non-breed specific.
thlastrebel
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May 04, 2012
@ Calhoun Times,

Could you clarify if this is this Breed specific legislation or is this action specific? I searched for the bill and as far as I could tell, it defined dangerous and vicious by the actions of the dogs. The photo included in the article implies that it is breed specific.
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rt_elms
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May 05, 2012
Trust your reading comprehension skills over the Times. You are correct that HB 685 focuses on the actions of any dog rather than a particular breed. I am an aficionado of a particular breed that most people would consider vicious just by their appearance and history. In reality, the most ferocious dog I’ve ever owned was a lovable looking 12-pound ankle biting Pekingese!
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