Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Georgia

Dog on dog

A few weeks ago my lab bit and killed the neighbors dog. The county has no lease law and this is a rural area. Our dog is only out when we are home and the neighbors kids have been seen on many occasions calling for our dogs to come over or our son. They have also, along with adults from that home, thrown sticks and other objects at our dogs when they have been in our own yard. My son (age 9) and a child the neighbor babysits (age 6) are the only witnesses to what happened and my son says the other dog was barking and yapping at our female lab. It did end on their property. The neighbor has already try to have a criminal warrent out on us, but it failed. I know she will try to go civil, yet I question the actual cost of the dog and I call the only vet in town and there was no bill and the dog has never been to a vet before that day. What should I do to prepare for civil court?


Asked on 9/05/02, 2:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

Re: Dog on dog

You ought to at least consult with a local attorney. The law on this varies from state to state. Some states, e.g., have a "one bite" rule, meaning that the dog (and you) get one freebie. Other states require that the owner of the dead dog prove that you knew of your dog's propensity toward violence.

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Answered on 9/05/02, 2:50 pm


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