Children are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks in Georgia. These pack animals often try to establish their dominance over toddlers, and this can have catastrophic consequences. Every dog owner in Georgia should be extremely careful when allowing their animals to come into contact with small children. If they fail in this basic duty of care, they may face both criminal and civil consequences in court. 

Man Accused of Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree

In March of 2025, various sources reported that a man in Georgia had been arrested for “cruelty to children in the second degree.” This charge stemmed from an earlier incident involving a dog. For whatever reason, a 3-year-old child was at the man’s home – along with his dog. Local police say this dog was known to be aggressive and that the owner knew that the animal would be likely to attack the child. 

If you are approaching a dog bite lawsuit in Georgia, you might have heard something about the state’s “one-bite” rule. Not all US states have this rule, and it may prove problematic as you assess your legal options. That said, it’s important not to give up hope until you accurately determine which rules apply to your unique situation. It is all too easy to read unclear or nonfactual information online. 

The One-Bite Rule Explained

In general terms, a one-bite rule states that a dog owner may only be liable for injuries if they knew or “should have known” that their dog was violent. In other words, the dog must exhibit past violent behavior before you can sue the owner for your own injuries. The “one-bite” rule gets its name from the basic requirement for a Georgia dog bite lawsuit. You must show that the dog bit someone else at least once before your incident.