All persons bitten and the parents or guardians of minor children bitten, as well as any person owning or having custody or control of a dog or other animal of a species subject to rabies (any mammal / warm blooded animal) that bites a person, must promptly report the incident to the Department of Animal Control (SDCC Section 62.615[b]). This is necessary so that such animals can be temporarily isolated (as required by law) in an approved place and manor (oftentimes at the owner's home) and observed for at least 10 days for symptoms of rabies. This requirement applies whether or not the biting animal has been vaccinated against rabies.)
When you report an animal bite, you will need to provide the following information:
the name and address of the owner of the animal
the date, time and location of the incident
the location on the body and severity
of the bite
a general description of the biting animal
Quarantine
Animal vs. Human: When any warm-blooded animal breaks the skin of a human with its teeth or nail.
Pet vs. Wildlife: When a pet dog/cat has come in physical contact with a wild animal (skunk, bat, raccoon, etc.).
Government: When an animal comes into our jurisdiction from another country without an approved state rabies vaccination.
Prevention and education are the keys to keeping you and your family safe.
Dogs and cats can be great companions for kids, but it is important to teach children to be safe around animals. Bites and scratches by dogs or cats can be caused by the family pet or by stray animals. The results of an animal attack can be serious and traumatic. Below you will find tips that can help you or your child avoid animal bites.
Teach kindness - An animal that is in pain or afraid is more likely to bite.
Never to hurt or frighten an animal, this includes: ear, lip and tail pulling, and rough-housing.
Never restrain an animal against
its will or trap it where it can't escape.
Leave an animal alone if it seems afraid.
Pet dogs and cats on the sides and back, not
on the face or head. Cats should not be rubbed on the belly.
When to "stay away"
- Leave animals alone when they are eating, sleeping, chewing on a toy, or taking care of their young.
- Teach children to put the food
down and not touch it again, if they must feed the dog.
- Children should never attempt to touch or move an injured animal, but should
call an adult for help.
- Avoid animals that are outside the home, even friend's pets. Many children are bitten because they don't realize
that a friend's pet doesn't remember them. Never go into a friend's yard without a member of the family present.
- Stay back from animals
on chains, or animals inside cars or trucks.
- Never approach an animal loose on the street.
- Always avoid wild animals.
- Don't ever attempt
to separate fighting animals.
- Avoid animals that appear sick or act strangely.
Teach kids to act like a tree or a rock
"Stand like a tree". If standing, stay still and stare straight ahead, until the dog goes away.
"Curl up like a rock". If sitting
or if knocked down, curl up on one side with a fist over each ear. Be as still as possible until the dog leaves.
Throw something as
"bait" if the dog attacks, like a coat or backpack.
Teach the child to stand or sit very still and quiet if a dog comes near. Running away may cause the dog to chase and attack.
Don't raise a biting pet
Train your dog in basic obedience. Contact a training specialist or get a book about dog training at the library or bookstore.
A pet
that has been spayed or neutered is three times less likely to bite than one that has not. Contact a vet to have your pet spayed or
neutered.
Dogs that are permanently chained up are notoriously aggressive and prone to bite.
If you or your child is bitten
Seek medical care as soon as possible.
Wash all bites with soap and water immediately. Report any animal bite to the appropriate animal
control authority, including bites from the family pet.
Make animal safety a part of life
Teaching safety tips to children should not be scary or threatening to them. Have your child practice the "stand like a tree" and "curl up like a rock" safety tips. Quiz children about the safety tips, for example, should they pick up the dog's food bowl while he is eating? Animals can be great fun and make wonderful pets, but they should always be treated with caution and kindness.
Types of animal bites
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the wound with soap and water and contact your physician and/or seek medical attention immediately. Report the bite to your local animal control agency.
Animal bites
Escondido Humane Society | 3450 East Valley Parkway, Escondido CA 92027 | (760) 888 - BARK (2275)
Adoption Center open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week | Animal Control open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week
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