Have you Been Charged with Abandonment of Dead Dogs in Georgia?
Americans love our pets and treat them like family. We get very upset when people dump their dead animals on our property or do not dispose of them correctly. However, many people are unaware that it is actually a crime to abandon dead dogs on either public or private property. If you or a loved one have been charged with this crime, you need legal representation. Lawson and Berry and their team of Georgia Animal Attorneys are here to help.
Georgia Law on Abandoning of Dead Dogs
Two statutes apply to the abandoning of dead dogs in Georgia: one for when the animal is dumped on private property and one for public property.
O.C.G.A. §4-8-1.1: No person shall intentionally abandon a dead dog on any private property belonging to another unless the person so doing shall have first obtained permission from the owner of the property on which the dog is being left.
O.C.G.A. §4-8-2: No person shall abandon a dead dog on any public property or public right of way unless the place in which the dog is being left is a public dump or other facility designed for receiving such and has been designated by the local government authorities as a public facility for receiving trash or refuse.
Furthermore, Georgia law states that dead animals are not allowed to be abandoned in wells, open pits, or surface waters of any kind on private or public property. O.C.G.A §4-5-3.
Penalty for Abandoning Dead Dogs in Georgia
A person who abandons dead dogs on either public or private property will be guilty of a misdemeanor. Furthermore, the suspect will face less than one year in jail and fines of no more than $1,000.
Defenses to Abandoning Dead Dogs
It was unintentional: If you had obtained consent to dump the dog on someone's property, but the dog fell off the back of your truck without you knowing onto someone else's land; you may have a defense.
I had consent from the owner: Evidence that the owner of the property of the county official approved you dumping your dog would negate the charges.
What are Not Defenses
I thought I had consent: Dumping a dead dog requires permission from either the property owner or from the county/city. Thinking you have permission and knowing you have permission are two different things and having permission is the only defense; not just thinking.
It was a county landfill: Even if it was a landfill, you must first make arrangements with the city or a county official.
Contact Us
Although a misdemeanor conviction may seem inconsequential, spending time in jail or paying fines will have an impact on your life. It is still important that you retain representation to help you fight the charges and try to either get the jail time or fine lowered. If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices. The Law Office of Lawson and Berry is here for you!
