It greatly saddens and concerns me that Fulton County has seen several violent dog attacks in recent months. As someone who loves animals, I have worked closely with families affected and understand the pain they felt when their loved ones or beloved pets were attacked.
I have also worked side by side with our Fulton County Police and Animal Control officers to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that dangerous animals are never given another chance to harm someone again.
Recent incidents include:
• Actor Tyrese Gibson’s dogs: After repeated complaints that Cane Corsos, a large dog breed, were roaming freely for months, the dogs allegedly attacked and killed a neighbor’s pet in September.
The neighbors, frustrated with inaction, contacted me for assistance. My office and I began working to ensure an appropriate response. Fulton County Police executed a search warrant at Mr. Gibson’s home that led to an arrest warrant for animal cruelty. After some delay, Gibson turned himself in, but so far he still refuses to turn over his dogs to Fulton County Police who are pursuing surrender of the animals.
This case – that has received attention both locally and nationally — is now pending, and I assure you it will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
• Union City grandmother: A 62-year-old woman was mauled by several dogs while walking to the bank in August and sadly, she later died of her injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
• South Fulton family: While visiting her family, a grandmother from Niger who suffered severe and permanent injuries in September when several Cane Corsos broke through a fence and attacked. She remains hospitalized and faces a long recovery. The dogs have since been euthanized.
• A personal story: My wife and a friend were walking her small dog in Chastain Park when a much larger off-leash dog, known for aggressive behavior, attacked. That little dog was nearly killed. The owner was cited and fined — but it never should have happened in the first place.
I share these stories not to alarm anyone, but to remind all pet owners: we have to do better. Dog ownership comes with serious responsibility. Every dog — no matter how friendly you think they are — must be properly leashed, secured, and supervised at all times.
While counties are only required by law to manage rabies control, Fulton County has gone above and beyond. We’ve built a brand-new animal services facility operated by LifeLine Animal Project, and enforcement now falls directly under Fulton County Police to ensure that dangerous animal cases are handled swiftly and seriously.
The bottom line is that laws and enforcement can only go so far — we need responsible pet owners who take this to heart. Together, we can prevent these tragedies and keep our community safe for people and pets alike.
