Georgia law holds dog owners accountable for injuries caused by their pets, but what about other animals, like a snake or a ferret? Or animals that aren’t pets, such as livestock or wild animals? Can owners of these animals be held liable for injuries they cause?

While Georgia’s “Responsible Dog Ownership Law” specifically pertains to dogs, other provisions in the Official Code of Georgia address liability for injuries caused by other animals. Additionally, premises liability may also come into play when assessing responsibility for animal attacks.

Attacks by “Vicious or Dangerous” Animals

Under Section 51-2-7 of the Georgia Code, an owner or keeper of any animal deemed “vicious or dangerous” can be held liable for injuries in certain circumstances. For liability to apply, the owner must either release the animal carelessly or manage it negligently. The injured party must also have not provoked the animal, and the type of animal must not be exempt from the statute, such as livestock.

For example, in a case involving a pet sitter who was attacked by a rooster while collecting eggs, the court dismissed the claim. The reason was not that roosters are exempt from the statute, but because the court found no evidence the owners knew of the rooster’s “dangerous temperament” or that they were negligent in managing it. The owners had been pecked by the rooster before, but not seriously, so the court determined they didn’t know the animal was dangerous. Additionally, the pet sitter had been warned to take precautions, such as using a trash can lid for protection, but failed to do so.

The statute does not clearly define what makes an animal “vicious or dangerous.” However, this case suggests that liability depends on whether the owner knew of the animal’s dangerous nature. A local ordinance may presume an animal is vicious if it requires the animal to be on a leash or under control, specifically referring to dogs.

Attacks by Wild Animals

If someone keeps a wild animal as a pet, they could be liable under Georgia law if they knew the animal had the potential to be dangerous. Certain wild animals, like bears and wolves, are considered “inherently dangerous to humans” and require a license and liability insurance. An attack by one of these animals could lead to liability for the owner.

For attacks by wild animals not kept as pets, premises liability may apply. If a property owner knew about a risk posed by wild animals and failed to take reasonable steps to protect visitors, they could be liable for injuries. For example, if a property owner knew that bears frequently attempted to access trash cans but didn’t secure them or warn renters, they might be responsible if a renter is attacked. Similarly, a store owner who knew about a hornet’s nest near the entrance but didn’t remove it could be liable if a customer is stung.

The key to proving liability is showing that the owner knew about the danger and didn’t take reasonable steps to mitigate it. What is considered “reasonable” varies by situation. Sometimes, a simple warning may be enough; in other cases, physical barriers or other protective measures might be necessary.

Statute of Limitations for Animal Attack Claims

If you’ve been injured in an animal attack and plan to file a claim against the owner or property manager, you must act quickly. The statute of limitations in Georgia gives you two years from the date of the attack to file a claim. Even if you’re pursuing an insurance settlement, the claim must be filed before this deadline.

Starting the claims process early is essential. To seek compensation for your injuries, you need evidence to prove the owner’s negligence. This could include video footage of the incident, witness statements, or other documentation. Waiting too long can make gathering evidence more difficult as memories fade, and video footage may be erased.

Glass Robson Helps Animal Attack Victims Obtain Compensation

When the negligence of an animal or property owner leads to injuries from an animal attack, it’s only fair that the responsible party is held accountable. The team at Glass Robson can help you collect the necessary evidence and build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the value of your case.