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Georgia Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I clear old animal cruelty charges in Georgia for employment purposes?

Twelve years ago, I was charged with animal cruelty in Athens, Georgia because my dogs didn’t have water. Although I don't remember all the charges, I know I had to do volunteer work which I missed. Now, I'm concerned about how these charges may affect background checks as I am pursuing... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jul 23, 2025

Thats a good one to pursue record sealing for, or potentially other remedies such as RetroActive First Offender. While I often advise folks to try and DIY using the materials from the Georgia Justice Project (a great website), with your particular charge it is going to benefit you to bring an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: My dog was stolen, beat to death, &thrown over bridge. Was law enforcement supposed to visit the scene for investigation

I reported when stolen, they couldn’t help me even though I told them he was going to be killed. When I found my dog, filed a report, contacted animal control but they were closed for holiday weekend. I had to retrieve my dog myself. How are they investigating if nobody ever went to the scene or... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 27, 2023

I am sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your dog. It is understandable that you are upset and frustrated with the way your case has been handled by law enforcement.

According to the Animal Welfare Act, all animal cruelty cases, including theft and animal killing, are supposed to be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice for Georgia on
Q: Legal options for adverse effects from dog heartworm medication in Georgia.

I brought my dog to the vet for a routine check-up and treatment for an ear infection, which was later confirmed to be clear. The vet prescribed Credelio Quatro for heartworm prevention without testing beyond the initial blood sample test. After administering the medication, my dog became... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 18, 2025

You can consider pursuing a veterinary malpractice or negligence claim in Georgia. The key is showing that the vet failed to follow the standard of care, such as not fully testing for heartworm, not assessing the severity of your dog’s condition, or not properly explaining risks and side effects... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Georgia on
Q: Animal control took my dogs due to unclean conditions. How do I challenge this?

Animal control confiscated my dogs due to allegations of unclean conditions, including dirty water buckets and crates, even though there were no previous warnings or incidents. I haven't been provided any instructions or notices regarding their return, and I'm looking for a lawyer to help... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 18, 2025

First, gather any evidence that shows your dogs were being cared for properly, such as photos of clean water, crates, and living areas. Documentation of veterinary visits, vaccinations, or routine care can also support your case. Keep a detailed record of all interactions with animal control,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Contracts and Small Claims for Georgia on
Q: Where should I file a small claim for non-delivery of purchased puppy?

I purchased a Shih Tzu puppy from a breeder for $300, with a contract requiring 1/3 down payment. I paid $200 via gift card with the understanding that the initial $100 would include delivery. The seller now refuses to deliver the dog without final payment. I offered to pay the remaining amount... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 15, 2025

Since the transaction involved both your location in Georgia and the seller’s location in Florida, you generally have two options for filing a small claims case. You can file where the contract was made, where the payment was sent, or where the seller resides. In your situation, because the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Is it legal for an officer to impound my dog under these circumstances?

An officer removed my dog from its kennel in my yard and impounded it, supposedly to "teach me a lesson" for not cooperating with an investigation. I received citations for cruelty to animals and failure to identify, and was found guilty. The officer did not present body camera footage in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 12, 2025

Generally, law enforcement can only impound an animal if there is a reasonable belief that the animal is being neglected, abused, or poses an immediate danger. Removing a dog “to teach a lesson” without imminent threat or legal authority goes beyond typical powers granted to officers. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Legal Malpractice for Georgia on
Q: How can I resolve being found guilty of animal cruelty despite evidence?

I had my dog in a kennel in my front yard while cleaning my house, and the police received an anonymous call claiming animal cruelty. They removed my dog without permission and took him to a shelter. I was given two citations for animal cruelty and failure to identify and found guilty, despite... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2025

You may have options to challenge your conviction or address the current situation with your dog. Because your evidence and witnesses were not presented, you could explore filing an appeal or a motion for a new trial, arguing that you were denied a fair opportunity to present your case.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Small Claims for Georgia on
Q: Can I sue a groomer for injuring my puppy in Georgia?

I took my puppy for grooming, and 20 minutes after picking him up, I noticed a cut under his stomach. I contacted the groomer, who admitted forgetting to inform me about the accident but offered no refund or solution. The grooming service cost $60. I couldn't afford a veterinary visit, so I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2025

You can pursue a claim against the groomer in Georgia for the injury to your puppy. Even though the grooming fee was \$60, you can seek reimbursement for that cost as well as any reasonable expenses directly related to the injury, like medical supplies or veterinary care. Georgia law allows pet... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Georgia on
Q: Is it permissible to dispose of a dead guinea pig in my trash bin?

I have a dead guinea pig, and I placed it in my trash bin on my property. I'm concerned about whether the trash will be picked up on trash day. Are there specific regulations or guidelines in my area that I should be aware of regarding animal disposal?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2025

You can often dispose of small pets like guinea pigs in your household trash, but local regulations vary, so it’s important to check with your city or county sanitation department. Some areas allow small animals to be double-bagged and placed in the trash, while others may have specific rules for... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: Can an officer impound my dog based on a call and charge me?

I had an encounter with an animal control officer who received a call about alleged abuse regarding my dog being kept outside in a kennel while I was cleaning my house. I refused to bring the dog inside immediately and also refused to provide my name to the officer. The officer impounded my dog and... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Sep 4, 2025

Really hard to assess validity without a lot more information, and the first step would be to retain a qualified civil rights attorney or post conviction attorney to review the entire record in detail. State Agents have massive immunities from our legislature, but there are valid pathways where... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: Is it legal for a contractor to remove a fence due to an unpaid balance?

I had a fence installed on my parents' property in Georgia by a contractor I engaged. I signed the quote myself, and paid a down payment of $2023 prior to the job starting, with a remaining balance of $2022.62. The contractor recently sent me a text on Tuesday stating his intention to remove... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 30, 2025

In Georgia, once a contractor installs a fence on your property, it becomes part of the real estate and cannot simply be removed like personal property. If the balance is unpaid, the proper legal remedy for the contractor is to file a mechanic’s lien against the property, not to dismantle or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: Kicked out of dog training facility with service dog after shot record request.

I have a service dog and I was recently kicked out and suspended from a dog training facility after being asked to provide shot records for my service dog. I am a paying member of this facility, which has known she is a service dog for the past 5 years. All communication regarding the suspension... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 2, 2025

What happened to you sounds deeply frustrating, especially after years of being a member and having your service dog recognized without issue. Under the **Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)**, a service dog is allowed in most public places, and staff are not permitted to ask for documentation,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Georgia on
Q: How can I legally stop suspected gang stalking and human trafficking by my neighbor and ex-fiancé in Georgia?

I am facing serious issues with my neighbor and ex-fiancé whom I suspect are involved in gang stalking and possibly human trafficking. They reportedly break into my home daily, tamper with my security cameras, and have poisoned two of my pets. Additionally, they use drones to monitor me, including... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2025

What you’re experiencing sounds terrifying and deeply distressing, and it’s important that you know you don’t have to face this alone. If local law enforcement and federal agencies haven’t helped, the next step is to focus on protecting yourself and building a solid record of what’s... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Employment Law, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: Is my workplace fair in punishing both me and the coworker equally after an assault incident?

I was involved in an incident at work where I pushed a coworker's headphones off his head after I saw him slap our fire station dog for barking. In response, the coworker physically assaulted me. Two witnesses saw what happened and helped me during the assault. I have reported the incident,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

What you're describing feels deeply unfair, especially when your actions were in defense of an animal and the response you received was physical violence. In any workplace—especially one like a fire station where teamwork and trust matter—management has a responsibility to assess the full... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: Neighbor accused me of causing septic issues and threatened legal action. How should I proceed?

I am having an ongoing dispute with my neighbor about an alleged issue with my septic system. On June 14, 2025, he accused me of causing puddles in our shared backyard area and claimed his pets became sick after drinking the water. I did not find any evidence of puddles or septic issues in my yard,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

You’re right to take this situation seriously, especially since your neighbor has threatened legal action and has a confrontational history. The first thing you should do is document everything. Write down the date, time, and content of all interactions, including the June 14 accusation. Take... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: What steps can I take to recover my service dog Zuko, given away without permission?

I rescued my dog, Zuko, in September 2024, and have documents to prove he is my service dog for my PTSD. Recently, Zuko was given away without my permission while I was at work, and the person who now has him refuses to return him to me, even though I am the rightful owner. I have rescue... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 5, 2025

You must act quickly to preserve your rights to Zuko. Gather every proof of ownership you have—rescue paperwork, service-dog certification, veterinary records, training logs, photographs and any written confirmation of his role in treating your PTSD.

Next, send a strongly worded demand... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Georgia on
Q: How to proceed with a veterinarian malpractice suit in Georgia due to lack of proper care and diagnosis for my dog?

I took my dog to the vet due to a mass, where a blood sample was drawn but not tested, and the vet diagnosed it as a blood hematoma without proper analysis. Despite sending pictures and reporting the growing size of the mass, I never received the promised callback. Over a year, the tumor grew... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 25, 2025

You have every right to feel devastated and angry, especially when your dog’s suffering was preventable and tied directly to a veterinarian’s neglect. In Georgia, you can pursue a veterinary malpractice claim if you can show that the vet failed to meet the standard of care expected in the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: When does the stray cat legally become my pet in GA?

I've been caring for a stray cat I found six months ago in Atlanta, providing food, water, and shelter. I've contacted the microchip company twice, initially to find the owner, and recently to reassign the chip. Today, they forwarded me an email where the owner denied the reassignment,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 12, 2025

In Georgia, ownership of a stray animal is not always clearly defined by a specific number of days. Courts often look at intent, actions, and efforts made to reunite the animal with its original owner. Since you’ve been caring for the cat for six months, made efforts to locate the owner through... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Georgia on
Q: Puppy died waiting for credit approval at vet; urgent help ignored. What actions can I take?

My 6-month-old puppy died in the lobby of a veterinary office because they refused to treat him until my credit was approved. Another hospital informed them that my puppy was seriously ill, but they still didn't provide treatment. I haven't contacted them since the incident, as my husband... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2025

I'm really sorry you're going through this. Losing a young puppy, especially in such a painful and preventable way, can leave you feeling helpless and heartbroken. What happened sounds not only tragic but also deeply upsetting, especially if you made it clear that your puppy needed urgent... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Georgia on
Q: What are my options if sued for a dog bite in Georgia?

I am being sued by my neighbor due to a dog bite. My dog came off its leash and bit my neighbor. This is the first incident we've had with the dog. A police report was made, and the dog was placed in quarantine. My neighbor is asking for compensation for pain and suffering. What are my legal... View More

Michael W. Horst
Michael W. Horst
answered on May 15, 2025

If you have homeowner's insurance, you should contact the insurance company as soon as possible. The insurance company will provide you an attorney and pay any settlement or judgment up to the policy limits. Time is of the essence in terms of informing the insurance company about the... View More

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