After a dog attack in Marietta, you may need to familiarize yourself with local ordinances regarding animal restraints. This is because your ability to sue may depend on whether the dog owner violated any of these local laws. If no violations occurred and the animal had no prior aggressive tendencies, a dog bite lawsuit may be impossible. However, Marietta’s dog laws are quite strict – and there are many ways in which an owner might violate them.
Why Do I Need to Learn About Marietta’s Dog Leash Laws?
Unlike many other States, Georgia does not enforce “strict liability” for dog owners. In other words, the victim must prove some kind of negligence in order to pursue compensation for dog bite injuries. Similar States call this system a “one-bite rule,” but Georgia’s system is slightly more complex. Aside from simply showing that the dog in question has carried out an attack in the past, you may also prove that the dog was unrestrained. If you choose this route, you must consider ordinances regarding dog leashes and similar subjects.
Marietta’s Dog Leash Laws Explained
In Cobb County, all dog owners must restrain or control their animals when outside of their own premises. Acceptable dog leashes include chains, leashes, and ties. Regardless of the material in question, the leash must be a maximum of six feet long.
In addition, the leash must be held by someone who is physically capable of restraining the animal. The ability of each person to restrain an animal depends on numerous factors – including the characteristics of the dog and the human. For example, a small child might be completely incapable of restraining a large bloodhound. However, they may have the strength to restrain a smaller dog – such as a Shiba Inu.
The same logic applies to elderly, sickly, disabled, or frail individuals. In order to determine whether a leash violation occurred, parties may need to consider the weight, age, and overall fitness of both the human and the dog involved.
Rules for Off-Leash Areas
Leash rules in Marietta do not apply to specifically designated “off-leash areas.” These areas include the Sweat Mountain Dog Park. Each of these dog parks and areas may have their own unique rules. Perhaps most notably, dog owners must still carry leashes while in these areas. If need be, they must have the ability to immediately restrain their dogs.
Although rules may vary depending on the specific dog park, many have the same basic regulations. These may include:
- No dogs in heat
- No dogs with aggressive tendencies
- Do dogs without proper vaccinations
- No Rottweilers
- No Pitt Bulls
- Only three dogs allowed within the area at a time.
If you suffered a dog bite or injury due to one of these violations, you may have the right to sue the dog owner – even if the animal in question displayed no prior aggressive tendencies.
Leash Rules for Aggressive Dogs
Dogs with known aggressive tendencies are subject to stricter leash rules. These animals must be muzzled when off their home premises in order to prevent bites.