MACON, Ga. — Viewer Corinna Thomas from South Macon said two wild dogs that she saved from another home went onto a neighbor’s property, where they were shot.
Thomas told us the dogs weren’t on a leash, broke out of their double pen and ran into the neighbor’s yard.
THE QUESTION
Can you legally shoot an animal that’s on your property?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
No, you cannot shoot an animal on your property, but there are exceptions.
WHAT WE FOUND
According to Georgia Law Code Title 4 – Animals Chapter 8 – Dogs Article 1, “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.”
In the law, there are exceptions. The first one says 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.”
Sonja Adams with Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services says there may be consequences to shooting an animal. Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Adams could not comment on Thomas’ situation but says law enforcement will decide whether an animal poses a threat.
“If you’re on your porch there’s a dog in your yard, and it’s growling and barking at you, I would say no. It’s not doing anything except Barking and growling,” Adams said.
Thomas showed us text messages between her and her neighbor. The neighbor states he didn’t take pride in shooting the dogs. He states the dogs relieved themselves on his property and took other belongings from his property.
He goes on to say he couldn’t differentiate between Thomas’ trained dogs and the wild dogs she took in.
Thomas told 13WMAZ the dogs were spayed and neutered at The Rescue Ranch in McRae.
Adams recommends you call Bibb County Animals Services or your county animal services if you are having similar problems. That’s the best way to keep yourself out of trouble.
