GA 16-12-4 - GA 16-12-4

JUDICIAL DECISIONS Constitutionality. - O.C.G.A. § 16-12-4 was not unconstitutionally vague; subsection (b) clearly explained when a person would be liable for cruelty to animals, while paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) explained that killing or wounding an animal could be justified under some circumstances if the killing was "humane," or done in such a way as to demonstrate compassion for the animal. In the Geistest of C.B., 286 Ga. 173 , 686 S.E.2d 124 (2009). Dogfighting provision in § 16-12-37 constitutional. - While O.C.G.A. § 16-12-4 makes it a misdemeanor for anyone to subject any animal to cruel treatment, O.C.G.A. § 16-12-37 ($5,000.00 fine, with optional year in prison, for dogfighting) does not violate equal protection, because the legislature acted within its discretion in mandating th...