Dog Attacks: Incidents in Bellalago Community

In response to the recent incidents in the Bellalago community:

At Bellalago Veterinary Hospital, we believe that it is critically important that pet owners ensure their pets are trained, restrained on a leash, and up to date on vaccinations and wellness care.  We support leash laws and believe that all owners should follow those when the pet is not in a fenced-in area or when other animals of unknown disposition are nearby.

We recommend that pet owners consider taking simple, non-harmful, non-lethal steps to protect themselves and their pets from aggressive animals.  One option is taking an animal deterrent spray on walks.  One option is PetSafe’s SprayShield which is reportedly safe, humane, and pain-free.  Another option is Pet Corrector spray.  Such a spray simply lets out a loud “hiss” sound that can distract, scare, and interrupt aggressive animals.  Again, this is a non-lethal and non-harmful way to prevent attacks by aggressive animals.0601410001646775134.jpg

Additionally, it is critical that pets be up to date on vaccinations – particularly rabies.  Rabies is present in our area and can be the cause of animals being aggressive or attacking.  Keeping your pet up to date is the easiest way to protect your pet and family.  Once humans begin showing the signs of rabies, it is nearly always fatal!  Protecting your family is, perhaps, the most important reason to take basic precautions and report ALL bites to Animal Control.

Sometimes even the most prepared owners and best-behaved animals find themselves being victims of attacking animals.  We caution against jumping in to the middle of a fight as one or both dogs can turn and attack the human instead.  Injuries to the humans involved only makes things more complicated.  We recommend finding ways to “shock” the dogs in to stopping the fight.  Splashes of water from water bottles or a nearby hose often work.  Additionally, loud noises like from car alarms or horns can also end fights.  Again, we discourage harmful or lethal methods unless absolutely necessary to protect human life.

After any such incident, it is important to immediately report the attack to Animal Control.  Exchange information with the other owner.  Take pictures of the pet and owner.  If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information.  If owners are willing to exchange ID’s, take pictures of these too.  Take many of the same steps as you might for a traffic accident.  It’s important to remember that all humans are likely in shock from the event.  Due to this, it is advisable not to escalate the situation.  Remain calm.  While it can be difficult, it is best to allow law enforcement to do their jobs, determine fault, and engage with all parties.

If any humans are injured, it is critical to get medical treatment.  Animal Control with the help of the Florida Department of Health will help determine if post-exposure rabies treatment is necessary.  If pets are injured, it is important that they be taken to a veterinarian.  If possible, it is best to get them to an emergency hospital as fight and bite wounds often require surgical treatments.  If the severity of the injuries does not leave time to get the pet to the emergency hospital, bring it to the closest general-practitioner veterinarian for stabilization.  The GP veterinarian will likely transfer the patient to the ER once stable.

Finally, we appreciate that some members of the community are passionate about pets and finding out all the details about the incidents.  However, we cannot release medical records or details about the patients or owners to anyone except the people on the account, other veterinary professionals involved in the treatment of the patient, and law enforcement, as appropriate.  Of course, the owners of the pet can release records to third parties themselves and are welcome to do so.  We will also work with law enforcement and pursue charges against anyone attempting to illegally or fraudulently obtain medical records.  While we appreciate the passion to find justice for the community’s pets, two wrongs don’t make a right!

There will always be disagreements between pets and pet owners.  After all, our pet is always the cutest of all the pets!  However, with some simple steps and preparation, we can avoid or minimize the issues from aggressive animals and fights.  We hope that all pet owners take a few moments to protect their pet and their family!

Location

Find us on the map