What If the Dog Owner Flees the Scene?

Dog bites can be traumatic and painful, but the situation becomes even more stressful when the dog’s owner walks away without offering help or identifying themselves. In Georgia, dog owners have a legal responsibility to control their pets. When they flee after an attack, it not only complicates your injury but can also delay your path to justice.

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog and the owner took off, you may feel unsure about what steps to take. These types of incidents are more common than you might think. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your rights and build a case—even when the dog’s owner is not immediately known.

Why Some Owners Leave the Scene

There are many reasons a dog owner might choose to walk away after their pet bites someone. Some fear legal trouble, especially if the dog has a history of aggression. Others may not carry insurance and want to avoid financial responsibility. In some cases, the owner may not realize how serious the injury is or assume their dog wasn’t at fault.

Regardless of their reason, leaving the scene is not only irresponsible—it may also lead to further legal consequences for the owner if they are identified later.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

After any dog bite, the first step should always be medical care. Even if the wound seems minor, dog bites carry a high risk of infection. A doctor can clean the injury, assess for deeper damage, and provide a tetanus shot or antibiotics if needed. If the dog’s vaccination history is unknown, you may need a rabies shot as a precaution.

Make sure to keep a copy of all medical records and bills. These documents will be critical in any future claim.

Call Local Authorities

Once your immediate safety is addressed, report the incident to animal control or local law enforcement. This creates an official record of the event, which is helpful for your case.

Provide as much detail as possible, including:

• The time and location of the attack 
• A description of the dog 
• A description of the person walking the dog 
• The direction they fled 
• Any vehicle information if relevant

In Georgia, many counties have animal control divisions that respond to reports like this. Officers may canvass the area, look for surveillance footage, or speak with nearby residents to identify the owner.

Talk to Witnesses

If anyone else saw the attack, ask them what they noticed. Bystanders may have caught a glimpse of the dog owner’s face or seen where they went. If you’re unable to gather witness information at the scene, revisit the area later to ask nearby neighbors or businesses if they saw anything.

If possible, collect:

• Names and phone numbers of witnesses 
• Written statements or voice recordings 
• Any photos or videos they may have taken

The more eyes on the scene, the greater the chance of tracking down the owner.

Check for Surveillance Cameras

Many homes and businesses have security systems that record public sidewalks and streets. Ring doorbells, parking lot cameras, or shop security systems may have captured the dog or owner before or after the attack.

Act quickly. Some systems delete footage within days. Ask the property owner politely if they can check their recordings and save anything from the relevant time window. Your attorney can also issue a formal request for footage if needed.

Document Your Injuries and the Scene

Even if you don’t know who the owner is yet, you can still gather evidence to support your claim. Start by photographing:

• The bite wound from multiple angles 
• Torn or bloody clothing 
• The location of the attack 
• Any visible blood, fur, or scratches in the area

If you remember anything about the dog—its breed, size, color, collar, or behavior—write it down while it’s fresh in your mind. This will help animal control and your lawyer later.

Keep Track of Medical and Financial Losses

Without the dog owner’s cooperation, your expenses may begin to pile up quickly. Keep copies of:

• Hospital and doctor bills 
• Pharmacy receipts 
• Transportation costs to medical visits 
• Time missed from work 
• Therapy or counseling appointments

If the owner is located, this documentation can help your attorney build a claim for full compensation. If not, it may be used to explore other options such as uninsured motorist coverage (if the injury occurred near a vehicle) or pursuing compensation through other liable parties.

Speak With an Attorney Experienced in Dog Bite Cases

When the dog owner leaves the scene, the legal process becomes more complex. A skilled personal injury attorney can assist with locating the owner and determining your options. They may work with investigators, issue subpoenas for surveillance footage, or consult local records to track down the responsible party.

Even if the owner is never found, your attorney may be able to help you pursue alternative paths for compensation, such as:

• Filing a claim with your own homeowner’s or renter’s insurance (if applicable) 
• Identifying third-party liability, such as a property owner who failed to control a known dangerous dog 
• Exploring victim compensation programs in Georgia

The earlier you speak with a lawyer, the stronger your case can become.

Georgia’s Dog Bite Liability Rules

Georgia follows a modified “one-bite” rule. This means an owner may be held liable if:

• They knew or should have known the dog was dangerous 
• The dog was not on a leash or under proper control, violating local leash laws 
• The attack was unprovoked

Fleeing the scene can be used as evidence that the owner was aware of their dog’s dangerous tendencies or legal responsibility.

Conclusion

Being bitten by a dog is upsetting enough. When the owner disappears, it adds another layer of difficulty. But you are not powerless. By taking quick, careful action, you can protect your health, strengthen your legal claim, and improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Even if the situation feels uncertain, you’re not alone. An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you through the next steps and work toward justice—no matter how the incident began.