Animal Bites

Mandatory Quarantine

State law requires that all dogs and cats be quarantined for bites that break the skin of a person. Quarantine is required regardless of current rabies vaccinations. The place of quarantine will be one of the following; the City Animal Services Shelter, a private veterinary clinic, or the residence of the pet owner. The Animal Control Officer will determine the place of quarantine based on the conditions or severity of the bite, previous bite history, the owner's ability to satisfy quarantine requirements and whether local ordinances were in observance at the time of the bite. Failure to quarantine may result in the arrest of the pet owner.

There is a Leash Law in effect for all City residents. This means that all dogs must be kept on a leash or other suitable restraint or be confined by a fence on the owner's property. It is considered a violation of the law for your dog to be loose in your own yard, if it is unfenced.

Preventing Dog Bites

    • Keep your dog in an adequately fenced enclosure that enables it to exercise according to its size.
    • Lock your gate to prevent unauthorized access.
    • Housetrain your dog so it can be inside with its family.
    • Control your dog with a hand held leash when away from home.
    • Socialize with other people and pets as circumstances permit.
    • Look for opportunities for formal training at your local pet store, veterinarian or city recreation department. This will offer you a structured environment to train and socialize your animal with other pets and people.
    • Spay or neuter your dog. This will reduce your dog's desire to roam.
    • If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious.
    • Never leave your dog unattended with a small child.

Safety tips on how to avoid being bitten include:

    • Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
    • Never run from a dog and scream.
    • Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
    • If knocked down by a dog, roll into a ball, cover your head and neck and lie still.
    • Never permit a child to play with a dog without adult supervision.
    • Avoid direct eye contact with a dog you don't know.
    • Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
    • Do not pet a dog without the owners permission and without allowing it to see and sniff you first.