Reporting Animal Bites

If you are bitten or scratched past an fauna, written report information technology immediately to the Creature Services Sectionalization by calling 9-ane-i (if in-progress) or 301-279-8000 (if non in-progress).  Prompt reporting allows for proper investigation and quarantine to preclude the possibility that the victim will contract rabies.  Nether land and county health laws, whatever person with knowledge that an animal has bitten or scratched a person must report the seize with teeth promptly to the Division of Animal Control and Humane Treatment.  Medical personnel also have a duty to report to the Division anytime they treat a patient for animal bites.

How many animal bites are reported each year?

Every year in Montgomery County, there are approximately 800-900 reported cases in which an animal bites a human. The Animal Services Division investigates each of these bites as function of its rabies-control responsibilities and to protect the community from unsafe animals.

Preventing Domestic dog Bites white terrier

For Dog Owners

Unfortunately, as well many times the victims of dog bites are children.  These children are often members of the dog'south own household or children who are visitors to the household. Studies take identified several risk factors that are associated with dogs who bite.  Dogs that have ane or more of these adventure factors are more probable to bite than dogs with no risk factors.

  • Dogs that are unaltered (both male and female dogs)
  • Dogs that are maintained outside all or nigh of the time
  • Dogs that are chained outside
  • Dogs that have never undergone whatever formal obedience training
  • Dogs whose owners play roughly with them, or play aggressive "mouth" games such as tug-of-state of war with the dog

You can reduce the chances of your dog being involved in a biting incident by avoiding these take chances factors. Make your dog a family pet and have him live inside your home with the rest of your family. Avoid chaining your domestic dog – take him for walks instead. Alter your pet as presently as possible. The American Veterinary Medical Clan, the American Kennel Club, and local and national humane groups take all endorsed spaying and neutering of animals as immature as 8 weeks. Neutering can exist done at a lower fee through the Partition's low-cost neutering program. And take your domestic dog to an obedience grade. Information technology's skilful do and a lot of fun for both you lot and your pet. It's also a slap-up way to come across other pet owners and get communication from an expert on animal behavior.

For those who may be confronted by a strange dog

  • Exercise not run away. Stand quietly, your hands at your side. Face up the domestic dog, but do not expect him straight in the eyes. Remain withal until the dog loses interest, or dorsum away slowly and calmly, until y'all achieve safety. Never turn your back on the domestic dog.
  • If the dog tries to seize with teeth, "feed" him your handbag, jacket, haversack or anything else in an effort to protect yourself.
  • If you autumn or are knocked to the ground, scroll into a ball with your hands over your ears.  Remain equally still equally possible, and do non scream or yell.