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Georgia Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: What laws contain dogs killing a goat but not being a violent dog?

My dog killed the neighbors goat. She’s not aggressive towards people or other animals.

Kristina M. Bergsten
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Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 28, 2020

I don't really understand the question. Killing a goat is a destruction of property issue, so that may or may not be criminal. Whereas issues of vicious/aggressive/dangerous dogs are criminal. You might just be civilly liable for the value of the goat. Although, in some jurisdictions,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: My ex husband stole my dogs out of spite and gave them to an animal shelter and they already adopted them out before

I had the chance to reclaim them do they legally have to give me my dogs back or give me the names of the people who adopted them

Kristina M. Bergsten
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Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 22, 2020

I’m sorry for your loss! That is absolutely abhorrent what your ex did.

In Colorado, once a shelter has a dog for 5 days and the dog goes unclaimed during that period, the shelter legally owns the dog. That’s set out my Colorado regulation. You might want to check if that is also the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: My dog (on leash) bit my neighbors cat (roaming unsupervised) - should I get a lawyer to protect my dog? State of GA

Incident happened in the common area of my condominium complex. Same thing happened two years ago but she continues to let the cat out to roam freely. I want to make sure nothing happens to my dog as he's never been aggressive towards humans or other dogs. Additionally, my wife and I are very... View More

Kristina M. Bergsten
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Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 21, 2020

It's unlikely she would pursue anything because the cat was unsupervised and, generally speaking, the law could care less about cats, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it...). It's unlikely animal control or law enforcement would press charges against you. That... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: I paid a pet deposit for my dog and in one area of the lease it states no indoor pets but then another part of the

Lease states you’re responsible for any damage they do and specifically list blinds(indoor item). My landlord will not allow my dog inside and forces me to keep her out side in extreme heat and she can only be inside if it’s below freezing. Is there not a law against leaving dogs outside when... View More

Kristina M. Bergsten
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Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 19, 2020

Generally, no, most states don’t have laws about keeping dogs inside Unless the temperatures are extreme because dogs are property in most states. And because you signed a lease, you’re kind of stuck with the terms. Can you give your dog to a friend or family member during the day so he/she can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Georgia on
Q: I purchased a dog in Georgia. I paid 3000 I realized I’m to busy for a pet so I wanted to rehome him I was advised that

I couldn’t because I was only partial owner and I would have to give him back. I request only 2500 of my money back they agreed to give it back after I give them the dog back. Now I can’t get in touch. I had the dog for 5 day 3 of which I stayed in Georgia with him

Kristina M. Bergsten
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Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 18, 2020

I’m not sure I understand the question. If you have to give the dog back to the breeders, then you should do it so that way he can be rehomed safely to someone who can actually care for and about him.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: Is is against the law in Georgia to ask for money for our dog that was stolen that she has admitted to having

Our home was broken into and our dog was stolen we now have found him and the person that has him is requiring we pay 1000$ to give him back to us. Isn't this against the law. She has already admitted that he is ours and that the person we suspected that broke into our home did bring her the dog.

Kristina M. Bergsten
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Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 5, 2020

I’m not aware of how asking for a reward for a dog is illegal, necessarily. But if you suspect this person had to do with your dog being stolen then you should call the police to get your dog back.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: Am I in the wrong regarding my dog and property?

I have a temporary neighbor, or at least I believe she's just moved in with her family that lives half of a mile down our dirt road due to COVID-19. Anyway, she walks everyday and has called authorities about my dogs. The thing is, they walk to a light pole in front of our property and our... View More

Kristina M. Bergsten
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Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 2, 2020

You can’t really stop someone from calling the police. If the police haven’t done anything and haven’t issued you a ticket or summons, then you might just have to deal with it until she gets tired of calling with no results. If you have been issued a ticket or a summons, then you’ll want to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: Is it illegal to walk your horse down street in subdivision. It is not a gated community.

No lawns or sidewalks are involved. Lady was stalking and filming my daughter telling her she was committing criminal trespass.

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Jun 1, 2020

It depends on your city/municipality and/or county ordinances. It may be best to check with your city or county ordinances to determine what is permitted.

Criminal trespass occurs when someone “intentionally damages any property of another without the consent of that other person.”...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: How do I file for adverse possession on house that has been abandoned for several years. I have occupied it since 2016 a

Prior to that the owners had died and told my mom she could have the house because she cared for them when they needed help for shopping and healthcare. I have keys to the home and have painted inside and put a wood floor down and was in process of roof repair. But last week the house was boarded... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 28, 2020

It does not appear that you have any legal or equitable interest in the property. You did not mention taxes being paid by you or any type of deed conveyance. In fact it looks like you do not even have possession which a new owner would have to evict you from. Adverse Possession cannot be filed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: What do u do if someone I know let’s a dog starve to death

please help me

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 28, 2019

You should contact the police. They will/should launch an investigation. Hopefully you have proof of the crime. It’s best to do it sooner rather than later because statute of limitations may be a factor.

I wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Medical Malpractice for Georgia on
Q: A veterinary clinic caused a second degree burn to my dog due and I want to know how to pursue legal action.

My dog had a tooth extraction and the veterinary's lack of attention caused a second degree burn.

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 28, 2019

This is an unfortunate circumstance. This is a civil matter and you would sue the veterinarian in court. It is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible, preserve evidence (records, pictures, etc.) and any additional vet bills you acquired after trying to help your dog.

We are glad...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: If i’m taking care of friends goats they refuse to pay the rent for the animals to be on my property and food

What can I do

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 28, 2019

More information is needed to provide you with an accurate answer. Do you have a contract with the owners of the goats? Do you have a business boarding animals? You do have other options, you can sue your friends for the care/feeding of the animals.

It is best to contact an attorney who...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Identity Theft, Small Claims and Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: I have two puppies,they got out of the fence & are trapped at my neighbors house because they have them what can i do?

I couldnt find my puppies when they got loose but i can hear them whining at my neighbors,and everytime i call for them its like they take them inside,and they have pitbulls so i dont know what to do,what can i do about them keeping my puppies? Or if they dont give them back?

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 22, 2019

Have you called the police? If you have and they classified it as a civil matter, you will need to sue your neighbors for taking your property. It is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible for the safety and well-being of your puppies.

We are certainly glad to assist you. Contact...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: Me as an individual citizen can I take a warrant out on another individual citizen
Richard Winblad
PREMIUM
Richard Winblad
answered on Oct 29, 2019

Not many facts to work on here, also question was posted in Animal/Dog Law. But a warrant is usually something issued by a court for the arrest of another person. So I don't see how you would take out a warrant. Perhaps you meant to file a complaint against somebody?

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Georgia on
Q: I live in an HOA Iam enduring harassment and nuisance behavior. My HOA won't help

This lady and her family bring her dogs to my home to do their business specifically in my yard even after I've asked them to stop.

Paula J. Mcgill
Paula J. Mcgill
answered on Jul 8, 2019

You can bring a civil action against her for nuisance and trespass.

If you haven't already done so, send a cease and desist letter or hire an attorney to do it. You can use that letter in court if she continues her behavior.

3 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: What kind of attorney should I seek for a misdemeanor charge for leaving our dog in our car over lunch?

Dog was fine and animal control let us leave with the dog.

Brandon Alexander Thomas
PREMIUM
Brandon Alexander Thomas
answered on Jul 6, 2019

It's a criminal charge so you would get a criminal attorney that handles misdemeanors.

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Car Accidents for Georgia on
Q: Hit a free running dog and his owner wants me to pay his vet bill.

Last month my car hit a free running dog. I was driving very slow and carefully since there was a speed bump in front of me. The dog just run to my car from right upper corner. I did not realize I hit a dog until I saw he was injured in my mirror. I have a driver recorder recorded everything. In my... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 19, 2019

Make a copy of the letter, give it to your car insurance.

First, you are not responsible if a dog is running free. Get a copy of the borough code section and send a copy to your insurance company.

Do not speak further with the lawyer or the person.

Do not discuss this on...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Car Accidents for Georgia on
Q: Hit a free running dog and received a lawyer for monetary damages

Last month, my SUV hit a free running dog in our community. His owner was not watching him. I did drive legally. I did not speed and I was driving very carefully. I have drive camera can prove that. I did not report to police. Now the owner wants me to pay for the medical bill, and she hired a... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 19, 2019

see my response to the identical post.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Georgia on
Q: My daughter was bitten by a dog at her job in a boarding kennel by an aggressive dog that is forbidden.

The owner of the kennel knew of the dogs aggression, but took it because it was an officer friend's K-9

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Oct 2, 2018

Contact a member of the Ga. Trial Lawyers Assn who handles workers comp in the county where it happened--they give free consults and can best advise your daughter of her rights.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: Recently charged with four counts of nuisance animal and harsh penalties have been applied to where I can't have animals

Can the local solicitor general order me never to have animals on my property again

David Edward Boyle
David Edward Boyle
answered on Aug 11, 2018

Any penalty imposed would be limited in time to the maximum time allowed under the law which for ordinances may be 60 days or 6 months. But you would need to check the city or county ordinance where you live.

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