Georgia § 4-8-5 - Cruelty to dogs; authorized killing of dogs.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 4-8-5 — Cruelty to dogs; authorized killing of dogs., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-8-5. Cruelty to dogs; authorized killing of dogs.
No person shall perform a cruel act on any dog; nor shall any person harm, maim, or kill any dog, or attempt to do so, except that a person may: Defend his or her person or property, or the person or property of another, from injury or damage being caused by a dog; or Kill any dog causing injury or damage to any livestock, poultry, or pet animal. The method used for killing the dog shall be designed to be as humane as is possible under the circumstances. A person who humanely kills a dog under the circumstances indicated in subsection (a) of this Code section shall incur no liability for such death. This Code section shall not be construed to limit in any way the authority or duty of any law enforcement officer, dog or rabies control officer, humane society, or veterinarian. (Ga. L. 1969, p. 831, § 5; Ga. L. 2012, p. 1290, § 3/HB 685.) The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, inserted "or her" in paragraph (a)(1) and substituted "livestock, poultry, or pet animal" for "livestock or poultry" in paragraph (a)(2). See the editor's note for applicability. Cross references. - Destroying or injuring police dog, § 16-11-107 . Cruelty to animals generally, § 16-12-4 . Duty of conservation rangers to kill dogs pursuing or killing deer, § 27-3-49 . Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2012, p. 1290, § 6/HB 685, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that the amendment of this Code section shall apply to proceedings for the classification and registration of dogs which are pending on July 1, 2012, as well as to such proceedings which arise on or after July 1, 2012. Law reviews. - For article on the 2012 amendment of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 180 (2012).
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 4-8-5
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 4-8-5 cover?
Section 4-8-5 ("Cruelty to dogs; authorized killing of dogs.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 4-8-5?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 4-8-5" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 4-8-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.