Published: March 27, 2009 01:29 pm      

Five people report being bitten by dogs in one weekend in Floyd County

Biting season

On Saturday, several men were walking near the 500 block of East Market Street in New Albany when they heard a woman screaming. They turned and saw she was being attacked by two pit bulls.

The group of men picked up sticks and tools and tried to fend off the dogs. One of the men who tried to help also was bitten in the hand and leg.

Police officers arrived and Tased the dogs. One of the pit bulls was being so aggressive that an officer had to shoot and kill it, according to an incident report.

That was one of four incidents last weekend in which someone was bitten by a dog in Floyd County. Now, animal control officers are urging safety.

The other three cases involved children. In one report, a child on a scooter was bitten after being chased by a dog. Another involved a dog with food-aggression problems biting a child when food was spilled.

Floyd County Animal Control Officer Carrie Mooser said it is rare to have that many animal bites in one weekend.

“It may be coincidence, but spring break and the warm weather may have been part of it,” Mooser said. “Animals are more active during the warm weather.”

On Saturday afternoon, a young boy approached a dog that was on a leash being walked. The man said he warned the child that the dog is aggressive, but the child still approached. He received serious lacerations to the leg. Animal Control placed the dog in quarantine for 10 days.

“He didn’t take the extra step to make sure the child did not get too close,” Mooser said. “It was a very bad bite.”

Mooser said she responds to all calls of stray dogs but needs the help of pet owners.

“I make every effort to pick up all stray dogs, but I’m the only person doing this job, so sometimes it takes a couple of days,” Mooser said.

Sgt. Todd Bailey, of the New Albany Police Department, said they have responded to 16 reports of animal bites in the past six months.

“We encourage dog owners to control their animals. Do not let the animals run loose,” he said. “It’s all about responsibility. If you own an animal, it’s an extension of your family.”

Authorities stress that pet owners can be held responsible for violating local ordinances if their pet bites someone. They also can face a serious lawsuit.

One man reported March 9 that he was riding his bicycle down the 600 block of East Eighth Street when a dog jumped onto the side of the fence and bit his arm.

“People need to realize there are many animals out there,” Mooser said. “If you see an animal, unless you know it very well, do not approach it.”

Mooser said the most important thing is for pet owners to make sure their pets are current on rabies shots.

If the dog is not current, the bite victim will have to take a series of vaccinations to protect against rabies. Mooser also tells pet owners to make sure their pets have proper food, water and shelter. That will make it less likely the animal will try to escape.

“You know the saying that it’s always greener on the other side,” Mooser said. “It’s the same with dogs. If they’re looking through the fence and seeing kids running and playing, they’ll want to go, too.”

Bailey said the main excuse police officers always hear is that the owner never thought his or her dog would bite anyone.

“You just don’t know,” Bailey said.

People are urged to call the police department if they see an aggressive stray dog, or call animal control at 812-948-5355 if they see a non-aggressive stray dog.



IF YOU’RE BITTEN BY AN ANIMAL

• Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes.

• See a physician immediately, even for minor wounds.

• If the animal can be captured or confined without risking further injury or exposure, do so. Or contact local animal control authorities for assistance.

• Do not destroy the animal. It may need to be quarantined and observed for signs of illness or tested for the rabies virus.

• Contact your county health department to report the bite: 812-948-4726.



IF YOUR PET IS BITTEN BY AN ANIMAL

• Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes.

• See a veterinarian immediately, even for minor wounds. Vaccinated animals may need to receive a booster vaccination to increase immunity to the disease.

• If the biting animal can be captured or confined without risking further injury or exposure, do so. Or contact local animal control authorities for assistance.

• Do not destroy the bitten or biting animals. Either may need to be quarantined and observed for signs of illness or tested for the rabies virus.