Marietta Injury Lawyer Blog
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.
The inevitable occurred, and the child was viciously mauled by the animal. As a result, the toddler suffered numerous puncture wounds to the leg and “severe injuries” to the arm. While the details of these injuries were not revealed, we can assume that they were life-altering.
The maximum penalty for cruelty to children in the second degree is 10 years imprisonment. The minimum penalty for this offense is one year in prison. Due to the circumstances of this incident, the animal may also be euthanized – especially since it seems to have a history of violent behavior.
In addition to criminal consequences, the dog owner may face a civil lawsuit. Although the details of the child’s injuries are vague, they may be permanent and disfiguring. The child may never have a chance at a normal life, and the family might want to hold the dog owner accountable.
Under normal circumstances, Georgia’s “one-bite rule” may apply. However, the police seemed to indicate that this animal had been violent in the past. As a result, the family may have the right to take legal action and file a dog bite lawsuit.
Of course, the success of this potential lawsuit is not guaranteed. There is no word on whether the dog owner had insurance or whether he had enough assets to cover the family’s damages. Only time will tell.
Why are Children So Vulnerable to Dog Attacks in Georgia?
Children are vulnerable to dog attacks for various reasons. These individuals may not be familiar with warning signs and cues that a dog may soon become violent – such as growling or baring teeth. They might also act impulsively, perhaps making sudden movements or coming too close to the animal’s head. Many children instinctively try to hug dogs, but these animals tend to become uncomfortable or violent in such situations.
However, it is important to understand that children are not always to blame for dog attacks in Georgia. Even if the child does not provoke the animal at all, it may become violent – perhaps trying to assert its dominance over what it sees as a weaker member of the pack.