Roaming Dogs Pose Challenges When Trying to Access Financial Relief

Often leaving victims with painful injuries and high expenses, dog bites are serious matters. But when the dog that caused the injury is a roaming dog, getting financial relief can be complicated. Unlike cases where the owner is clearly identified and insured, victims bitten by loose or stray dogs can face uncertainty about who is responsible.

Talk to an Atlanta dog bite lawyer about how Georgia law defines a roaming dog, and what steps to take after an attack. Doing so can make a big difference in your recovery process.

What Is a Roaming Dog?

A roaming dog is one that is not confined or under the control of its owner. In Atlanta, this typically means a dog that is running loose in a public space without a leash or anyone nearby exercising supervision.

While some roaming dogs are genuinely stray (having no identifiable owner), others actually belong to someone but have escaped through an open gate, broken fence, or unlatched door. Georgia’s animal control laws make it clear that owners are required to keep their dogs under control at all times. Allowing a dog to run without restraint can be considered negligence, especially if that dog injures someone.

Yet tracking down the dog’s owner is not always straightforward. Some roaming dogs wear collars or tags, but others do not. In some cases, witnesses or nearby residents may know who owns the dog. These details are crucial for determining liability.

Why Can Financial Recovery Be Difficult?

If the dog has no identifiable owner, pursuing a claim can be challenging. Typically, a dog bite victim seeks compensation through the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance or directly through a personal injury claim. Without an owner, there’s no clear party to hold financially responsible.

That said, if evidence shows the dog belonged to someone who allowed it to roam, that owner can still be liable under local leash laws. Proving ownership and negligence, such as repeated instances of the dog being loose, can open the door to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

After being bitten or attacked by a roaming dog, it’s important to act quickly. Here are key steps to take:

• Call animal control or the police immediately. Reporting the incident helps locate the dog and creates official documentation.
• Get medical treatment. Dog bites can cause infection or permanent scarring, so prompt care is essential.
• Gather evidence. Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location of the incident.
• Ask witnesses for information. Neighbors or passersby may recognize the dog or know where it lives.
• Consult an attorney. An Atlanta dog bite lawyer can investigate ownership, review animal control records, and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Even though roaming dogs can make recovery complicated, victims still have rights. Enforcing leash laws and owner accountability helps prevent future attacks and keeps Atlanta’s neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Wondering how you will pay off expenses after a roaming dog attack? Talk to the knowledgeable attorneys at Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.