When are injuries caused by a domestic animal typically classified under strict liability?

In the context of Georgia tort law, injuries caused by domestic animals are typically classified under strict liability when the animal displays known dangerous behavior. This means that if a pet owner is aware or should be aware that their animal has previously exhibited dangerous tendencies or behavior, the owner can be held strictly liable for any injuries or damages that result from this behavior.

This strict liability framework is rooted in the idea that owners have a responsibility to control their animals and prevent them from causing harm, especially if these animals have a propensity for aggression or other harmful actions. Under strict liability, the focus is on the animal's behavior rather than the owner's negligence or intent, allowing victims to seek compensation without needing to prove that the owner was careless or failed to act reasonably.

In contrast, other options do not align with the strict liability standard. For instance, merely allowing an animal to roam freely does not inherently trigger strict liability; the owner's awareness of the animal's dangerous propensity is central. Similarly, a lack of prior warning about danger does not absolve an owner if the animal is known to be dangerous. Lastly, having prior encounters with the animal might indicate familiarity, but it does not automatically equate to liability under strict liability if those encounters did not involve dangerous behavior.