Atlanta Dog Bite Attacks in 2019

For most people, dog attacks are the last thing people’s minds. But, dog bite incidents in Georgia are prevalent compared to other states and should not be overlooked. Sadly, the consequences can be devastating because the victims are often children who can sustain serious injuries. Additionally, attacks by dogs can trigger lawsuits or even criminal charges. It’s really a lose-lose for everyone.

Recapping Some of the Most High-Profile Atlanta Dog Bite Attacks in 2019

Here are just a few examples of attacks in Atlanta, Georgia and their consequences.

A recent Atlanta dog bite occurred in early January of 2020. A couple’s dog was attacked by two other neighborhood dogs well-known for their aggressive tendencies. The couple’s 12-year-old dog was out at the end of their driveway when the two dogs attacked. The wife ran out, picked up the dog, and ran back toward their home with the dogs following and tearing at whatever piece of her dog they could. Luckily, in this case, the owner remained mostly unharmed. However, their dog wound up with staples in his hind leg. The owners of the aggressive dogs were cited and are to appear in court.

There are a number of laws and ordinances in the state of Georgia, but they are not particularly comprehensive.

In another recent event, an owner’s Pitbull freed itself from its collar at a local PETCO. It bit another dog and two bystanders. The injuries sustained were not fatal, but one dog bite was bad enough that the victim had to go to the hospital for treatment. The owner of the dog is being held responsible for the attacks and is due to appear in court. As a result of this incident, the dog might now be euthanized.

Even dogs supposedly known for their emotional support can become violent. In 2017 a man was boarding a Delta Airline flight at the Atlanta airport. Near him was another passenger’s emotional support dog. As the man was fastening his seatbelt the dog started biting his face. The result was 28 stitches and other medical treatments. He ultimately suffered permanent damage, losing sensation in areas of his face. Delta and the dog’s owner are now facing a lawsuit. Attacks such as these can cause considerable damage to the victims. In 2018, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.

Attacks can even be fatal. In 2019 alone, there were 48 confirmed dog-related deaths. An example of one of these fatalities was an attack in the Atlanta area. It led to the death of a local mother. In December of 2019, she was outside her house when three Pit bulls known for causing problems in the past dragged her into the woods. Over the course of two months, her injuries became infected. Consequently, she died after being in a coma for two months. The owners of these dogs now face felony involuntary manslaughter charges. Incidents such as this are not uncommon. Each year, there are about 4.5 million attacks in the United States. About 20 percent of these bites become infected.

In a case like this with secondary injuries such as infection, it is vitally important to take the right steps after an attack.

Every 75 seconds, an attack occurs in the US. 1,000 citizens receive medical care for them every day. Atlanta is not excluded from such attacks. They can cause harm to other pets, harm to other people, and even cause fatalities.