How to Determine If a Dog Has a History of Aggression

When you have been bitten or attacked by a dog in Georgia, it is important to find out as much as you can about the dog, its owner, and the circumstances surrounding your attack. At the Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer, our legal team assists with this process as this information can help prove liability under the law. Pursuant to OCGA 51-2-7, “A person who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind and who, by careless management or by allowing the animal to go at liberty, causes injury to another person…may be liable in damages to the person so injured.” Although a history of aggression by itself may not be enough to prove viciousness or dangerousness, it can go a long way in helping to establish liability.

You can take different steps to show that a dog has a history of aggression. Some of the most common are listed below.

Reports From Animal Control

Every county should have an agency that handles reports of dog bites. In most counties, Animal Control will track reports of dog bites, but if you are unsure, you can call your local police department to find out who the proper authority is.

Animal Control should have records of all dog bites that have been reported. The report should include identifying information, such as:

• The name of the parties involved, including the owner of the dog and the dog bite victim
• The breed of the dog
• The circumstances surrounding the bite
• The date, time, and location of the bite
• A summary of what happened

When you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, having a previous report that proves the same dog has bitten someone before will go a long way to support your case.

Speak With Neighbors

If a dog has a history of aggression, neighbors may be aware of it. It is likely they have witnessed the dog acting aggressively towards them or others in the neighborhood. They may also know how the owner kept the dog, including whether the dog was kept in a special cage or pen to compensate for the dog’s aggressiveness.  Speaking with neighbors can reveal important aspects of the dog, including any history of aggressiveness.

Let The Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer Help You Recover The Compensation You Are Owed

When you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, proving liability and recovering for the damages you have suffered can be a lengthy and arduous process. Thankfully, you do not have to go it alone. Attorney Andrew Gebhardt, the Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer, is here to help. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.