- Ban on new dogs of dangerous breed: This ban phases out dangerous breeds by allowing current owners of dangerous breeds to keep their dog while banning new owners from acquiring them.
- Prohibition from public adoption in county shelters: This prohibition put in place by county shelters has a similar effect. However, it does allow for the area to acquire new dangerous breeds if they are adopted elsewhere.
- Banned from city dog parks: This is perhaps the weakest restriction. New dogs of dangerous breeds can be acquired, but are not allowed in areas where the chance of an attack is prevalent.
By far, the most restricted breed are pit bulls. In the 13 year period between 2005 and 2018, pit bulls were responsible for 66% of the deaths caused by dog attacks for a total of 311 people killed by pit bulls during that time.
Preventing Dangerous Dog Incidents in Atlanta, Georgia
Furthermore, there are many instances in which residents are attacked, but not killed. In one recent event, an owner’s pit bull managed to get free from its collar, attack another dog and two of the bystanders trying to break up the fight. The injuries sustained were not fatal, but one of the dog bites 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 the dog might now be euthanized. But, the owner states that the pit bull is a puppy and did not know any better. However, this is precisely why other dog laws in Georgia prevent new pit bulls from being purchased. Had such a law existed in this case, the event never would have occurred. Instead, residents of Atlanta must think twice before going to public areas where dangerous breeds of dog may be present.
The thought of being attacked by a dangerous breed of dog is likely not an issue most people consider on a day to day basis. In many areas of Georgia, it doesn’t have to be. Yet, in Atlanta, these attacks do happen- and there are no laws in place to prevent them.