If you are a dog owner or interact with dogs, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent a dog bite from occurring. If you have been involved in a dog bite incident, it may be helpful to discuss your legal options with a Marietta Personal Injury lawyer.
Keep Dogs on a Leash in Cobb County
Under Cobb County Ordinance § 10-11, pet owners are responsible for keeping animals on a leash while on public property. Animal owners also are required to restrain or control animals preventing them from attacking other animals or people.
Owners of dogs known to be dangerous must take additional precautions, such as keeping the dogs restrained.
How to Prevent the Spread of Disease in Georgia
One can contact Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) about animal bites. According to the CDPH website, animal bites and scratches should be reported to your local animal control as soon as possible.
The recommendation is to isolate and observe the animal for ten days after the bite. Do not interact. If the animal is healthy after 10 days, a rabies vaccine is not necessary. If the animal is not healthy after 10 days or dies, contact animal control immediately.
The Georgia Rabies Law – O.C.G.A.-13-19, requires that every cat and dog be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed Veterinarian. This mandate is designed to protect animals and prevent the spread of rabies, a fatal disease.
How to Avoid a Dog Attack in Cobb County
Animals, even ones with whom you are familiar, can attack people. Cobb County Animal Services notes that there are several reasons why a dog bites. When you learn these reasons, you can do your best to prevent this from occurring.
The four reasons to be aware of are the following:
- Dogs are frightened or scared. If a dog is anxious, it may bite if you try to approach or pet it.
- Dogs may be protective, such as when a female dog protects her puppies. Similarly, a dog may be protective of their yard or property.
- Dogs may get excited while playing and bite by accident. There was no harm intended; it was simply an instinct at play.
- Dogs may be in a lot of pain if injured or sick. This can be a time when dogs bite because they do not want to be touched.
Dog Safety in Marietta
Animal Services recommends that you do not approach dogs during times when they may be playing, sleeping, chewing on a toy, eating, or caring for their puppies. Similarly, avoid rough-housing, such as riding on top of your dog, dragging the dog, or encouraging aggressive play.
Exercise caution if you are near animals when they are sleeping, eating, playing, or chewing. Also, puppies and mothers may be unpredictable and can interpret behavior as threatening.
Learn How to Prevent and Recover From a Dog Bite in Cobb County
Taking the time to learn how to prevent a dog bite can go a long way toward keeping you and your loved ones safe.
If you have been involved in a dog attack, seek medical attention immediately. If you are considering how to protect your rights, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced Marietta Personal Injury lawyer to understand your options.