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Regardless of the hysteria many forms of media would like to inspire, most dogs are loyal, loving creatures that only want love in return. As with any given subject, there are exceptions to this rule.
Most dogs that bite do so out of pain, fear or just plain surprise. Of course there are actual vicious dogs but they are the exception, not the rule.
Dogs as well as any other animal will often bite when injured. They are hurt, afraid, traumatized and often, in shock. They have never bitten before and would never do so again. Other dogs are afraid of strangers or being cornered and will bite due to fear. Sometimes a dog will bite an unsuspecting child or adult because they have been surprised out of a deep sleep. These are just a few of the possibilities.
Regardless of the reason for the bite, there are some simple things to remember if you or someone you know gets bitten.
If bitten, clean and disinfect the wound. Bites are often the easiest wounds to become infected. If it is a severe bite, seek medical help immediately.
Do you know the dog? If it is yours, you know if it is up to date on vaccinations. If it is a neighbor’s, find out, if it is a strange dog, take note of the appearance. This will help animal control later.
All states require proof of a rabies vaccination given by a veterinarian. Owners, who lack these, can be issued citations, fines, sued, and even jailed. There have been recorded instances where a dog was protecting his own property from a burglar, only to be quarantined or put to death because said burglar reported the bite!
Once a bite is seen by medical personal, it is required by most states that the case be reported to the local authorities. Rules of care do vary from state to state and even between counties. The two most common actions taken by local officials are to quarantine or destroy the dog.
Quarantine involves a ten day stay at a licensed veterinary clinic or local animal shelter. This can be required even if a dog is current on all vaccinations. Death often comes into play when the bite is by an unknown animal. The head is taken off, then, laboratory tests are preformed on the brain to see if there are any signs of rabies. There are also cities, which require an animal to be put down if this is their second or third bite.
If the dog is owned, there are many laws, which can come into play. These can vary according to specifics in each individual case. A dog that was sleeping in his own back yard when a stranger sneaks in and tries to break into the door will not be as harshly regarded as a dog running loose who attacks a child riding a bike. Or a bird dog, which goes next door and kills all the neighbor’s chickens or livestock. In these types of cases, the dog’s owner can often be held liable for any and all medical costs as well as the value of property involved.
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