GCHD offers precautions to avoid
dog bites
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Press Release
May 28, 2008 |
Galveston County and Cities -
As warm weather and vacations take people
outdoors more often, Galveston County Health District (GCHD) officials remind
people that they can reduce the chances that they, their children or others will
be bitten by a dog.
“In 2007 there were 174 bites reported in
Galveston County,” said Dana Beckham, DVM, Chief Epidemiologist and Veterinary
Consultant for the District. “It is very important that everyone become familiar
with ways to prevent becoming a victim of dog bites.”
GCHD offers these suggestions:
GCHD also advises
teaching children these basic safety precautions:
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Don't go near strange dogs.
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Don't surprise or tease a dog
that is sleeping, eating, playing with a toy or caring for puppies.
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When you first come near a dog,
let the animal see and sniff you. Walk up to the dog from the side, not from the
back or directly from the front.
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If a dog acts as if it might
bite, stand still. Don't scream or run.
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If a dog attacks, protect
yourself with anything you have – backpack, purse, jacket or bicycle. If you are
knocked down, try to lie face down or curl up in a ball with
your hands over your ears. Be still and quiet until the dog goes
away.
“If a bite occurs, identify the animal,”
Beckham said. Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and
apply an antiseptic. Contact a physician for care and advice and report the bite
to the local animal control agency.
Citizens in Hitchcock, Dickinson, La Marque,
Santa Fe, Bayou Vista, Tiki Island, Clear Lake Shores, Kemah and unincorporated
areas of Galveston County should call the Joe Vickery Animal Shelter at (409)
948-2485 to report bites.
“Responsible pet ownership also is an
important part of dog bite prevention,” Beckham said.
Lillian’s Law, House Bill 1355 that took
effect Sept. 1, 2007, increased penalties for dog owners who fail to reasonably
secure their dogs, resulting in an unprovoked attack on a person and causing
serious injury or death. The owner of a dog who injures someone can be charged
with a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison. The charge
becomes a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison when the
injury results in death. The law was named for Lillian Stiles, an East Texas
woman killed in her front yard by a pack of dogs.
“People also need to be sure that their
animals are up to date on required shots,” Beckham said. “State law and GCHD
Animal Service regulations require pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats
against rabies by the time they are 4 months old.”
For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211 or (409) 392-0007
kkoopman@gchd.org
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