Your well-behaved dog could be committing a crime if you don’t comply with this GA law
Pet owners have mixed feelings about mandatory leash laws, but you could be held liable and endure very serious penalties if your dog gets into a fight while off leash.
The Columbus Consolidated Government mandates that dogs must be restrained by a leash and under the control of a responsible person when in public parks and owners can’t allow their dogs to be unattended.
Despite its recent controversies, Columbus Animal Control is responsible for policing issues with pets, and violations of these animal ordinances have serious consequences for both dog and owner.
Potential classifications for the dog
If an incident occurs with your dog that is of a more serious nature, it could trigger Georgia’s dog bite laws and cause your dog to be labeled by the authorities.
Dangerous Dog Classification — Your dog causes a substantial puncture to the other dog or aggressively attacks in a manner that poses an imminent threat.
If your dog is classified as dangerous, you must:
Maintain a secure, locked enclosure on your property to confine the dog.
Post clearly visible warning signs about the “dangerous” dog at all entrances to the premises.
Keep the dog on a leash no longer than six feet when off your property.
Ensure the dog is micro-chipped.
Maintain a $50,000 liability insurance policy for bodily injury or property damage caused by the dog.
Vicious Dog Classification — This classification applies to more severe cases in which your dog inflicts serious injury.
If your dog is classified as vicious, you must follow all the above requirements, plus:
Keep the dog muzzled when off your property.
Never leave the dog unattended with minors, even inside your home.
The dog cannot be sold, transferred or donated to any other person.
For vicious dogs, certain violations (like having the dog unleashed or unmuzzled off property) are considered high and aggravated misdemeanors. Additionally, If you have a previous conviction and your classified dog causes serious injury to a person, you could face felony charges with one to 10 years imprisonment and fines of $5,000-$10,000.
Fines and penalties for owners
For violations of general leash law where no injury or aggression was present:
First offense: Up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days imprisonment
Subsequent offenses: Up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days imprisonment
For dogs classified as dangerous:
First offense: fourth degree misdemeanor, up to $250 fine and up to 30 days imprisonment
Subsequent offenses: third degree misdemeanor, up to $500 fine and up to 60 days imprisonment
Failure to display a dangerous dog tag: fourth degree misdemeanor on first offense, up to $250 fine and up to 30 days imprisonment
Failure to insure a dangerous dog: minor misdemeanor, up to $150 fine.
For dogs classified as vicious:
First degree misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine and up to 180 days imprisonment
If a person is killed: Fourth degree felony, up to $5,000 fine and up to 18 months imprisonment
It’s important to note that all dogs should be on a leash at all times in public. The dog-classification system is very serious and it’s crucial to comply with all requirements.
