Governor Nathan Deal

Gov. Nathan Deal recently signed House Bill 685, which provides definitions and hearing procedures for determining whether a dog is dangerous or vicious.

The bill builds on existing legislation that allows a court to declare a dog vicious following a first attack on a human. House Bill 685 toughens that law and increases penalties for attacks on humans committed by dogs that had already been classified as vicious.   

The new bill defines a dangerous dog as one that nips, scratches or punctures the skin of a person.  It defines a vicious dog as one that seriously injures another person.

A dangerous dog would become classified as vicious after a second attack. In order to keep that dog, owners would have to meet a new list of requirements including securely confining and microchipping the dog, and carrying $50,000 in insurance.

The new bill also states a person cannot own more than one vicious dog. Felons convicted of violent crimes, drug trafficking or dog fighting cannot own vicious dogs.

If a vicious dog bites a second time, the dog will be euthanized and the owner could face up to 10 years in jail and $10,000 in fines.

If a dog control officer determines a dog should be classified as a dangerous or vicious dog, the dog owners are allowed to request a hearing. The hearing is before the local animal control board or the local board of health. The local government determines who overseas these hearings.   

All dogs classified prior to the bill going into effect do not have to follow the new requirements.

-Story by Kimberly Stringer, DPH Communications