2025 Code of Georgia
Title 4 - Animals (Chs. 1 — 15)
Chapter 8 - Dogs (Arts. 1 — 3)
Article 2 - Responsible Dog Ownership (§§ 4-8-20 — 4-8-33)
Annotations
Notes
Effective date.This article became effective July 1, 2012. See the editor’s note for applicability.
Editor’s notes.Ga. L. 2012, p. 1290, § 4/HB 685, effective July 1, 2012, repealed the Code sections formerly codified at this article and enacted the current article. The former article consisted of Code Sections 4-8-20 through 4-8-30, relating to dangerous dog control, and was based on Ga. L. 1988, p. 824, § 2; Ga. L. 1989, p. 159, §§ 1-5; Ga. L. 1989, p. 1552, § 15; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1238, § 1; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1589, § 3.
Ga. L. 2012, p. 1290, § 6/HB 685, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that the enactment of this article shall apply to proceedings for the classification and registration of dogs which are pending on July 1, 2012, as well as to such proceedings which arise on or after July 1, 2012.
Research References & Practice Aids
Cross references.Liability of owner or keeper of vicious or dangerous animal for injuries caused by animal, § 51-2-7.
RESEARCH REFERENCES Am. Jur. Proof of Facts. —Proof of Landlord’s Liability for Injury Inflicted by Tenant’s Dog, 85 POF3d 1.
Am. Jur. 2d.4 Am. Jur. 2d, Animals, § 75 et seq.
ALR.3B C. J. S., Animals, § 330 et seq.
Intentional provocation, contributory or comparative negligence, or assumption of risk as defense to action for injury by dog, 11 A. L. R.5th 127.
Liability for injury inflicted by horse, dog, or other domestic animal exhibited at show, 68 A. L. R.5th 599.
Intentional provocation, contributory or comparative negligence, or assumption of risk as defense to action for injury by dog, 11 A. L. R.5th 127.
Hierarchy Notes:O. C. G. A. Title 4
O. C. G. A. Title 4, Ch. 8
- § 4-8-20. Short title
- § 4-8-21. Definitions
- § 4-8-22. Jurisdiction; designation of dog control officer; consolidation of services
- § 4-8-23. Investigations by dog control officer; notice to owner; hearings; determinations by hearing authority; judicial review
- § 4-8-24. Impoundment
- § 4-8-25. Court ordered euthanasia
- § 4-8-26. Euthanasia for dogs with repeat offenses
- § 4-8-27. Certificates of registration; requirements for issuance of certificate; individuals excluded from receiving registration; limitation of ownership; annual renewal
- § 4-8-28. Notifications by owner; change in ownership of dog; changes in residence
- § 4-8-29. Limitations on dog’s presence off of owner’s premises; penalty for violation; defense
- § 4-8-30. Confiscation by dog control officer; payment of costs for recovery; euthanasia
- § 4-8-31. Governmental liability for enforcement
- § 4-8-32. Penalty for violation
- § 4-8-33. Application and compliance
