Bite Reports
Oakland’s Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Dog Ordinance
What to Do if Your Pet Bites a Person or Another Animal
If your pet bites a person or another animal, you are required by law to report the incident immediately to Oakland Animal Services – during business hours call 510-535-5605 or during non-business hours, call Oakland Police Dispatch at 510-777-3333. Reporting all animal bites helps to prevent the spread of rabies. Rabies is a serious and potentially deadly disease. It is transmitted via the saliva from an infected animals by a bite or direct contact. Skunks, bats, raccoons are high risk rabies carriers and are found all over Oakland and Alameda County.
If your dog or cat bites a person, your dog or cat will need to be placed in quarantine for 10 days to protect you, your family and your pets from rabies. During this time, the animal will be monitored carefully for any signs of rabies.
What to Do if You or Your Pet is Bitten by a Domestic or Wild Animal
If you are bitten and the situation is not under control and you or other people continue to be in imminent danger, call 911. It is important that you receive medical attention for the bite. Bites need to be properly cleaned to prevent any infection. Contact Oakland Animal Services at 510-535-5605 during business hours or Oakland Police Dispatch 510-777-3333 during non-business hours to report the bite. Try to report as much information about the incident as possible, including the date, time and location where the bite occurred and the type and description of the animal that bit you and its current location.
Remember, it is important that you keep your pets from coming in contact with wild animals. If your dog or cat is bitten or comes into direct contact with a wild animal report the incident immediately to Oakland Police Department-Animal Control Section at 510-777-3333. Make sure your dog and / or cat has a current rabies vaccination and to keep your dog’s license up to date.
How to Make Sure Your Dog Doesn’t Bite
The law holds dog owners responsible for all actions of their dogs, including bites. Oakland Animal Services recommends that all dog owners take steps to prevent their dog from biting. First, you should spay or neuter your dog. A spayed/neutered dog is less likely to bite than an unaltered dog. Secondly, take your dog for obedience training. Training not only helps you control your dog in any situation, but teaches your dog to get along with people and other animals. It important to begin socializing your dog around adults, children, and other dogs at a very young age. It is best to start training while your pet is a puppy, but it never to late to obedience train and socialize your dog. Adult dogs can learn to be good canine citizens. It is also important to make sure your dog has a current rabies vaccination and license. For more information,Oakland Animal Services at 510-535-5602.
How to Avoid Being Bitten By A Dog
More than 2 million animal bites are reported each year in the United States and most of these are from dogs. Oakland Animal Services has several safety tips for you and your family to avoid being bitten by unfamiliar dogs: – Don’t run past a dog. The dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch its prey. – Dogs are very territorial and you may be infringing on its territory. If a dog threatens you, don’t scream. Avoid eye contact, and try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. – Don’t approach a strange dog, especially one that’s tied or confined. – Always let a dog see and sniff you before you pet the animal.
