Savannah, Georgia Man Stops Dog Attack, Gets Arrested

What Happened

Second Call Defense (SCD) Member E.S. was walking his pets with his fiancée in Savannah, Georgia, when an unleashed pit bull charged the group. His fiancée got their pets to safety, but the dog turned its aggression on E.S. He backed away, shouting for the dog to stop, before drawing his firearm and firing until the threat ended.

Responding officers initially ruled the shooting a justified act of self-defense. Hours later, however, detectives returned and arrested E.S. on a felony animal cruelty charge — a charge that would normally leave him facing thousands of dollars in legal defense costs while his case moved toward trial.

The Aftermath

E.S. immediately contacted us and explained the situation. SCD stepped in immediately, posting a $6,800 bond to secure his release and retain a criminal defense attorney under a $15,000 flat-fee agreement.

As of this writing, it has been two years since the incident occurred. SCD continues to provide full legal support as the case remains pending.

Our Takeaways

Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to self-defense against animals:

1. Being “justified” doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Even though initial officers ruled the shooting self-defense, detectives still came back hours later and arrested E.S. anyway. A scene-level judgment call by responding officers isn’t the final word — the legal process can move forward independently of that initial read.
2. Defending against an animal attack can still trigger serious criminal charges. Most people think of self-defense law in terms of human attackers. This case is a reminder that using a firearm against an animal, even one actively attacking you, can result in serious charges like animal cruelty, not just civil disputes with an owner.
3. The financial exposure is immediate and substantial. Bond, attorney retainers, and ongoing legal fees stack up fast. In this case, our member E.S. would have been liable for more than $21,800 combined before the case is even resolved. That’s the kind of cost that can blindside someone who assumed “I was clearly defending myself” would be the end of it.
4. Having support lined up before an incident matters more than after. The value SCD is illustrating here isn’t just the money — it’s the speed of action. Bond was posted and an attorney retained essentially right away, rather than the member scrambling to find representation while sitting in jail.
5. Leashing laws and loose animals are a real, underappreciated self-defense scenario. This wasn’t a mugging or home invasion, it was a walk with pets and the attacker had four legs, not two.

We Got Your Back – UNLIMITED Legal Defense Protection

E.S. was fortunate to be armed at the time an unleashed, aggressive dog threatened his fiancée and pets. When the dog charged, had he not been armed E.S. might not have survived the attack.

Unfortunately, even when you do the right thing in self-defense, you can be charged with committing a crime by an ideological prosecutor using testimony from an unreliable witness or one with a conflict of interest.

If you go to trial,  jury of your peers can acquit you, but the aggrieved family of your attacker may sue you for civil damages. Do you have the time, expertise, and financial resources to survive the legal aftermath?

---

READ MORE: The Kayla Giles Case – “We Got Your Back” Isn’t Just a Slogan, It’s a Lifeline

---

Second Call Defense provides unlimited legal defense protection for armed self-defense. Immediate cash up front for defense attorneys and bail with nothing to repay, ever.

If you carry for protection — whether concealed carry, home defense, or another reason — understanding what happens after an incident matters as much as knowing how to respond during one. Without robust legal backing:

• You may face years of legal battles without support.
• Your financial resources — savings, future wages, home equity, retirement — could be at risk.
• Your future could be judged not just in court, but in public opinion.

Second Call Defense eliminates those worries by ensuring 24/7 access to legal counsel, immediate financial resources, and peace of mind knowing you’re defended by professionals who actually stand by you with unlimited legal defense for both criminal charges and civil cases. 

Know You’re Truly Protected

At a time when exercising your rights could subject you to intense legal scrutiny, don’t settle for inadequate policies that leave you exposed. Choose a defense partner that:

• Pays your bail bond immediately up front with no reimbursement.
• Doesn’t cap your legal defense.
• Covers BOTH criminal and civil cases.
• Pays attorneys directly — no reimbursement waits.
• Has never lost a self-defense case for a member.
• Promises you don’t pay it back.

That’s the true meaning of “We Got Your Back” — and why responsible citizens across the country trust the membership benefits of Second Call Defense.

Don’t leave your legal protection to chance. Explore Second Call Defense membership today and secure peace of mind before you ever need it. With Second Call Defense you have UNLIMITED resources for both criminal and civil cases and much more.

Check out our self-defense legal membership plans today!

---