Court Opinion

ID: 9569088
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 20:10:30.598706+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:15:43.698102
License: Public Domain

*219Deen, Presiding Judge,
concurring specially.
As stated by the majority, we consider herein scienter as to the natural innate potential propensity of an animal’s instinctive aggression to bite, kill or inflict harm. "While dogs are domestic animals they are not 'such as oxen and horses.’ ” Connell v. Bland, 122 Ga. App. 507, 511 (177 SE2d 833) (1970). None of the three are ferae naturae, that is of a wild nature or disposition. Dogs alone (maybe cats) have been singled out among domestic animals, even when they are wrongfully in the place (violating leash law) where they do their mischief, as attaining the prestigious distinction of being entitled to the "first bite.” Horses and oxen, as domestics, do not have this preferential treatment unless they bite someone when they rightfully are in a place where they do the mischief. This may be because under the common law dogs and cats were expected usually to be trespassers while doing minimal property damage.
It is interesting to note the widespread interest in the law as to legally extending and affording the dog’s "first bite” privilege doctrine to humans. See "We Dance Around in a Ring,” American Bar Association Journal, November 1976, Vol. 62, p. 1467, suggesting man’s alleged animal ancestral savage inherited propensity of a ferae naturae to bite or attack should excuse him, as it does a dog’s owner without scienter from punishment or liability. "If the organism’s response is normal . . . what can be accomplished by punishment?” Many subscribe to this myth which, if adopted, would create a crutch of excusability under the law. To this William Faulkner did not agree, stating: "Man will not merely endure; he will prevail because he alone among creatures has a spirit, a soul capable of compassion, sacrifice, love and endurance.” Since man has a free will he is responsible for his acts.
The dog’s recognition for this unique distinction may have come from his loyalty and faithfulness, as Senator Vest has stated, that if a man’s spouse and children abandon him his dog remains faithful, and after he has departed this life his dog guards his graveside "faithful even in death.”
"From time immemorial dogs have been treated as a *220separate class of domestic animals.” Connell v. Bland, supra, p. 510.
I am authorized to state that Judge Banke joins in this special concurrence.