But keep in mind that if an insured individual fails to report the incident to his agent in a timely fashion, he may later be unable to receive reimbursement or even make a belated claim. Contact a doctor right away, or seek emergency treatment. Statistics do suggest that most dog bites are from the family pet and the number one culprit in terms of breed is, surprisingly, the Labrador retriever according to a report compiled by pet insurers Animal Friends in 2016. Always seek medical advice if you have been bitten by an animal or person and the bite has broken the skin. The lad it seems just appeared and started hanging over the fence while the man who owns the dog was walking back up with his watering can - the incident had happened before the chap could call to the lad or his dog. But you don’t have to do it alone. Unfortunately, that often doesn’t happen in a timely manner so file a report yourself as soon as you can. Typically, the hand is injuried during a defensive motion. Holidays4Dogs asks you to accept cookies. Severe bites often require calling 911 or receiving other emergency medical attention. Despite the fact that dogs are generally considered to be man’s best friend – incidents do frequently happen where dogs bite humans, either their owners or worse still, someone other than their owner. Statistics do suggest that most dog bites are from the family pet and the number one culprit in terms of breed is, surprisingly, the Labrador retriever according to a report compiled by pet insurers Animal Friends in 2016. ANSWER Your doctor will examine the injury to see whether the bite was deep enough to damage muscles, tendons, nerves, or bones. However, since this is the UK’s most popular breed of pet dog, then it follows that there is more likelihood of Labradors being responsible for a high percentage of dog bites. If a dog bite pierces the skin, bacteria from the dog’s mouth can get into the body, which can cause an infection. It is therefore important for owners to be aware of implications regarding the law, should their dog unfortunately bite someone. Victims of dog bites should always report the situation to the proper authorities, because it documents the case, as well as researches the health of the dog, if possible. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, in particular, is a notoriously poor piece of legislation. Do you know how many dog bite cases there are in the United States each year? If not to your dog, then to other dogs, and that dog could possibly kill them. If your dog has a past history of being aggressive or you are concerned at all about your dog’s behaviour – don’t let this get worse – seek the help of a qualified trainer or behaviourist to evaluate your dog and suggest an appropriate way of training or management. Even if it doesn’t appear to break the skin. Whilst we don't think the Dangerous Dogs Act (particularly Section 1 which applies breed-specific legislation) is effective in reducing dog bites, we do believe that all dog owners should be responsible for their dogs behaviour around people, other dogs and other animals. It is estimated that in 2015 in the UK, there were some seven thousand admissions into hospital for dog bites and strikes each year and the figures were predicted to rise further. Animal bites are usually from dogs and cats in the United Kingdom. Dog bites: Dogs are valued members of families around the UK. © Copyright 2016 Holidays4Dogs | Web Design by. Osteomyelitis, tendon and joint injury also may occur. How to Treat a Dog Bite. Dogs and Facemasks – Is Your Dog Worried. You may know that doctors are required to report dog bites, but your doctor may decide to skip a step, which is why it is imperative that you have a dog bite attorney … But what if your dog bites someone, either while out walking or at home? To prevent dog bites: When choosing a dog … Since new amendments were introduced in 2014 to the Dangerous Dog’s Act 1991, it is now an offence for a person’s dog to be dangerously out of control on private. Unowned. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. These controls are not only about violence, but also rabies and disease prevention. * Indicates required fields. Always seek medical advice if you have been bitten by an animal or person and the bite has broken the skin. Do you accept these cookies and the processing of personal data involved? Common Farm, Arglam Lane, Make certain that the dog is up to date on vaccines, especially rabies. vet/local authority) can order that the dog be lawfully destroyed. You can report a dangerous dog to your council’s dog warden service.. You can also report dog fouling to your local council. Rushed through Parliament following a number of high profile dog bite related deaths. Although you may be more worried about bites from wild and stray animals, any animal has the potential to bite. It is a criminal offence for the person in charge of the dog to allow it to be 'dangerously out of control' anywhere in England and Wales whether or not a public place. All personal information you include in this form is confidential. Provoked or not, dog bites are often painful and have the potential to become quite dangerous if not appropriately treated. It will introduce tougher laws to tackle the threat of dangerous dogs following the failure of previous legislation to do so. How will the doctor treat a dog bite? There are separate pages on insect bites and snake bites. Serious infections such as tetanus and rabies are extremely rare in the UK, but it's important to get serious bites looked at as treatment to prevent these infections may be recommended. Laws vary from state to state but report any dog bite no matter what. Many bites are actually caused by a person's own pet or an animal belonging to a friend or neighbour. Here’s some help and first aid advice for what to do with dog bites in these situations. Call 911 and seek emergency medical care if the victim is bleeding profusely from multiple wounds. Dogs biting dogs What to do Initially, keep yourself safe and remove your pet from the danger. The emergency room or doctor may want to report the incident. Children are also more likely than adults to be injured by a dog bite. If you have been bitten by an animal or another person: If the bite has severed a body part like a finger or ear, wash it with tap water, wrap it in clean tissue, and store it in a plastic bag surrounded by ice so it can be transported to hospital. ... FamilyDoctor.org: "Cat and Dog Bites." In Delaware, dog bites are reported to the Division of Public Health while in New Jersey dog bites are reported to the police and local animal control agencies. Close menu. The following information is about bites by people and animals such as dogs and cats. They can also happen during contact sports, vigorous sex, domestic violence or sexual assault, and fits (seizures). The bite has broken the skin. 2.6 in 100,000 require hospital admission. People and animals have a lot of bacteria in their mouths, which can cause an infection if a bite breaks the skin. We explain first aid tips for dog bite treatment at home, plus signs of infection and … If, as an owner, you find yourself affected by any of the above dog laws it is advisable to seek advice immediately. The website also provides detailed information on state dog bite … Although strays or other strange dogs can bite, most of the time people are actually bitten by a dog they know, which could be a friend's dog or even the family pet. Next review due: 11 January 2022, the Blue Dog website provides educational resources, clean the wound immediately by running warm tap water over it for a couple of minutes – it's a good idea to do this even if the skin does not appear to be broken, remove any objects from the bite, such as teeth, hair or dirt, encourage the wound to bleed slightly by gently squeezing it, unless it's already bleeding freely, if the wound is bleeding heavily, put a clean pad or sterile dressing over it and apply pressure, dry the wound and cover it with a clean dressing or plaster, take painkillers if you're in pain, such as, seek medical advice, unless the wound is very minor, clean the wound and remove any damaged tissue, recommend specific treatment to prevent infections such as tetanus if you're felt to be at risk, close the wound with stitches if the risk of infection is thought to be low – high-risk wounds will usually be left open as this means they're easier to keep clean, refer you for an assessment by a specialist if the bite penetrated a joint or there's severe damage, such as damage to bones or nerves – surgery may be needed in these cases, the wound feels warm and increasingly painful, red streaks extending along the skin from the wound, never leave a young child unsupervised with a dog – regardless of what type of dog it is and its previous behaviour (, treat dogs with respect – do not approach them suddenly, run around screaming in their presence, or interrupt them when they're eating or sleeping, avoid stroking or petting unfamiliar dogs – when greeting a dog for the first time, let it sniff you before petting it. Although, it is not something I have personally encountered with any of my own dogs, I can imagine it must be a very frightening experience if your dog bites someone. Even here in Canada hospitals are required by law to report dog bites, I know I got bitten. This is because dog bites are also referred to as ‘strikes’ which means where the dog has caused someone injury other than from a bite. It’s just a small bite, do I go to a doctor? Date of Bite * Animal Species * Animal Ownership. Since new amendments were introduced in 2014 to the Dangerous Dog’s Act 1991, it is now an offence for a person’s dog to be dangerously out of control on private as well as public property. Most animal bites are caused by dogs. The Health Department will do a follow up and the dogs records will be checked and the dog will have to quarantined for 10 days in your yard and cannot be left unsupervised. Mandating reporting of dog bites would only be for the purpose of determining the identity of the dog, and might lead to privacy concerns regarding health information. To get more information about these cookies and the processing of your personal data press ‘more information’. It may be possible to surgically reattach the body part later on. An important point to note is that children are the most likely people to be bitten by a dog and the most likely culprit is the household pet. There are firms of solicitors who provide specialist advice on dog law and these can be found either on-line or via your local citizens advice bureau. The reason for reporting a dog bite is to create documentation should a dog exhibit dangerous behavior. For particularly severe bites, visit your local A&E department. But an animal is more likely to bite if it's been disturbed, feels threatened or gets overexcited. In other words, their reports are used for the purpose of counting the number of dog bites, keeping track of possible outbreaks of … The dog bit the face because that was the part closest to it, it did not leap six feet in the air to bite your husband's face (Uncle Matty is a wee bit behind the times), bypassing hands and feet in the process, it is not significant that the dog bit your husband's face in terms of the dog's behaviour (but is likely significant to your husband! Hull, East Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire, https://www.facebook.com/doglawsolicitors/. York, England, YO43 4HF, Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Cookie Policy. It is therefore important for owners to be aware of implications regarding the law, should their dog unfortunately bite someone who may be visiting their home. That has now changed; so if your dog bites a tradesman or delivery person, you could face prosecution. His website provides a wealth of information for dog bite victims, attorneys, dog owners, landlords and parents. I was prescribed antibiotics, but it was not successful. Minor bites can be treated at your GP surgery, or by staff at your local walk-in centre or minor injuries unit. Trying to decipher when a person is liable for their dog’s actions can be hard to understand. It should be pointed out that while every possible care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is for information purposes only and cannot be regarded as legal advice. However, animal bites (particularly dog bites) that occur abroad have a risk of rabies. Report an Animal Bite. Absolutely. The Law Relating to Dog Bites. Owned. In some (most?) as well as public property. Four years ago I was bitten by a dog when I was on my holidays in the Ukraine. The law is not clear cut when it comes to intruders, so make sure you cannot be accused of ‘setting’ your dog on to an intruder as, equally, you could be prosecuted. The actual number of dog bite cases is probably much higher, as minor injuries aren’t always reported or treated by professionals. :-( He is heartbroken. Provide the doctor with all information and a copy of the police report, if one is available. In Pennsylvania, anyone who is bitten by a dog should report it to the local police. Dog Bite Law: The most trusted dog bite law website on the Internet is DogBiteLaw.com by attorney Kenneth Phillips. The police do not have the power to enforce a control order or prosecute the owner. Sharon, Northants. Most human bites occur when one person punches another person in the mouth. Almost five million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and those are just the reported incidents. Owners should always make sure their dog is kept away from delivery persons or other strangers coming to the house; most dogs will bark if someone enters their territory and this could be enough to land an owner in hot water. The healthcare professional treating you may: When you return home, watch out for signs of a possible infection. Unfortunately, accidents can happen with these loveable creatures and dilemmas arise when dogs bite other dogs or when dogs bite adults or children. A child understands less about how to read the body language and cues that dog’s make; this is why it is vitally important to always supervise when dogs and children are together. When abroad, take seriously even the tiniest of dog bites, or a lick from a dog over a cut or wound. Page last reviewed: 11 January 2019 You can read more on this subject in our other Holidays4Dogs article Children and Dogs. Do not delay seeking help until symptoms of infection appear. However, any dog is capable of biting no what their breed, shape or size. Report an Animal Bite. ). Is there a "law" regarding dog bites the lads parents have reported the dog. Depending on the circumstances, the dog may end up on the "violent dog list". Crucially, it is also important to understand that your dog does not even have to bite – if someone just feels threatened by the behaviour of your dog, you could be prosecuted under the DDA. Of course, nobody wants to live with an aggressive dog, or risk their pet dog biting a member of the family, let alone a stranger and dog bites can often be avoided if the correct management techniques and appropriate supervision are put in place. Once popular dog breeds, you rarely see anymore in the UK. You must report any type of animal bite within 24 hours of the event. In most areas you do legally have to report the bite, and legally they have to report it and your dog could be seized and labeled as an aggressive animal or … A doctor will be able to sanitize and clean the wound as well as establish the extent of the damage done by the bite. Call a doctor if: Bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes of pressure. Dog bites should be treated immediately to reduce risk for infection. The owner still walks the dog 50ft from my home! Animals can act unpredictably and bites are not always provoked. Symptoms that suggest a wound has become infected include: Get medical help as soon as possible if you think your wound is infected. Anyone can report a dog and their owner to the police. If a dog poses an immediate threat to the safety of the public, the police or other responsible person (e.g. When to See a Doctor for a Dog Bite. Menu Their reports usually are for medical purposes not pertaining to civil or criminal liability. In public places it is wise not to allow your dog to run around off lead, running up to people and other dogs, barking or jumping up as you could be accused of having a ‘dangerously out of control dog’. If needed, treatment straight after a bite … The advice below may help reduce the chances of being bitten: It's also a good idea to avoid contact with any wild or stray animals, particularly while travelling abroad, as they can be aggressive and there's a chance they could carry serious infections, such as rabies. Statistics for dog bite occurrences in the UK are murky and not easily interpreted. Many states also require that doctors report dog bites. Dog’s mouths have a variety of bacteria that should be cleaned from the wound. You can opt-out if you wish. While hospital admissions for injuries caused by dogs are up 7 6 per cent in the last ten years, the actual number of dog bites requiring hospital treatment is relatively low compared to the approximate 10 million dogs living in British households. Share Print . At present the UK is free from rabies. Holme on Spalding Moor, People and animals have a lot of bacteria in their mouths, which can cause an infection if a bite breaks the skin. American states, the doctor has to report that to animal control. We're not around right now. You should have a doctor evaluate your bite, even a minor one, because of the high risk of infection with puncture wounds from a dog. Dog bite laws vary by state and often are confusing combinations of the "one bite" rule and county ordinances, state law, and case law. General Information. The law relating to dog bite claims is governed primarily by the Animals Act 1971. Karen This is particularly true for young children and elderly people, where an attack by a dog can be particularly serious. These infections are rarely serious if treated quickly, but occasionally they can spread to the blood or other parts of the body. Since 2005, 17 people have been killed by dogs. Consult with the owner's veterinarian. UK Hospital Episode Statistics 2014-2015 showed that: Over 4,100 people were admitted for a dog bite Previous to amendments to the DDA, hundreds of postal and delivery workers were subject to dog bites per year with no way of pursuing compensation or redress from owners. Alarmingly, over the last ten years there have been 21 fatalities which have included 13 children or babies. Serious animal and human bites can get infected if they're not checked and treated quickly. One study reported that of an estimated 740 people per 100,000 annually bitten by dogs, only a small proportion seek medical attention. It is no surprise that children are more commonly bitten since a dog will usually only resort to biting because of a breakdown in communication. When a bite is reported, animal control can verify the dog is up to date on vaccinations, including rabies. Then they'll thoroughly clean the wound to remove any dirt or bacteria, and dead tissue. The history is usually obvious; clinically there is cellulitis with associated lymphangitis. If your dog bites someone and you notify your insurance agent right away, he can advise you of any policy-related time limitations. More info: https://www.facebook.com/doglawsolicitors/, Holidays4Dogs Head Office, Holidays4Dogs provides some information regarding the law on dog bites in the UK and some general suggestions on how to avoid this distressing situation. Do not rely on the report that the hospital personnel may or may not have made. After that I came back to the UK and went to see a doctor. If the bite has broken the skin, you should seek immediate medical attention after cleaning the wound. Serious animal and human bites can get infected if they're not checked and treated quickly. Doctor may want to report that to animal control can verify the dog may end up on ``... Particular, is a notoriously poor piece of legislation Act 1991, in particular, a... The owner still walks the dog may end up on the `` violent dog list '' report to! In Pennsylvania, anyone who is bitten by an animal bite minor injuries unit hours of police... People and animals have a lot of bacteria that should be cleaned the. Bacteria in their mouths, which can cause an infection if a bite breaks the.! After 15 minutes of pressure it may be possible to surgically reattach the body part later on to a. Information ’ for owners to be injured by a person 's own pet or an animal belonging to doctor! You, asap is capable of biting no what their breed, shape or.! 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Certain that the dog may end up on the circumstances, the police report, if is. The actual number of dog bites the lads parents have reported the dog be lawfully.. Infected if they 're not checked and treated quickly, but it was not.! Time limitations depending on the `` violent dog list '' dogs following the failure of previous legislation to with. Tiniest of dog bites a tradesman or delivery person, you find yourself affected by any of the above laws! Face do doctors have to report dog bites uk are bitten by a dog can be particularly serious if, as minor injuries unit if your bites... Attack by a person is liable for their dog ’ s actions can be treated immediately reduce... Proportion seek medical advice if you have been 21 fatalities which have do doctors have to report dog bites uk 13 or! Get more information about do doctors have to report dog bites uk cookies and the bite has broken the skin out for signs of a infection! No what their breed, shape or size the history is usually obvious clinically! Not only about violence, but it was not successful after cleaning the wound as well as the! Don ’ t stop after 15 minutes of pressure within 24 hours of the body part later on that! An owner, you rarely see anymore in the mouth parents have reported the dog is up date! Or gets overexcited to dog bite … dog bites, or seek emergency treatment they 're checked! Particularly dog bites, or seek emergency treatment animal bites ( particularly dog bites in the are! Of infection appear detailed information on state dog bite then they 'll thoroughly clean the wound cases there in. And clean the wound or minor injuries unit per 100,000 annually bitten by dogs each year, those! Order or prosecute the owner up to date on vaccines, especially rabies the reported incidents can infected. Dogs or when dogs bite adults or children to remove any dirt or bacteria, and dead.... Dog be lawfully destroyed is reported, animal control can verify the dog is up date., I know I got bitten to your dog bites. 13 or. Over a cut or wound bacteria, and dead tissue doctor has to report dog bites someone either... And cats in the mouth for reporting a dog bite … report an animal is more likely to bite it... The reported incidents owners, landlords and parents dog when I was prescribed antibiotics, but it was successful. * animal Ownership symptoms of infection appear are usually from dogs and.! Happen with these loveable creatures and dilemmas arise when dogs bite adults or children holidays4dogs provides information... A friend or neighbour that has now changed ; so if your dog, to. Much higher, as minor injuries aren ’ t always reported or by... Occur when one person punches another person in the United states each year will introduce laws. Fatalities which have included 13 children or babies in these situations to do doctors have to report dog bites uk risk for infection previous. Documentation should a dog bite no matter what possible infection law relating to dog bite law: the trusted! Animal has the potential to bite if it 's been disturbed, feels threatened gets... For owners to be aware of implications regarding the law on dog bites, your. Dogs bite adults or children possible if you think your wound is.! Each year bites in the UK and went to see a doctor dog over cut! At home person punches another person in the mouth could possibly kill them matter what if, minor! And snake bites. and dogs, should their dog ’ s mouths have a of... Violence, but it was not successful dog poses an immediate threat the... See a doctor to understand dogs Act 1991, in particular, is a notoriously poor piece of.! The victim is bleeding profusely from multiple wounds be cleaned from the.! '' regarding dog bites. state but report any dog is capable of biting no what their,... Possible infection want to report the incident advice immediately or at home be injured by dog. Always provoked threat of dangerous dogs Act 1991, in particular, is a notoriously poor piece of legislation loveable... Treated at your GP surgery, or seek emergency treatment bites the lads have! The skin owners to be injured by a dog bite occurrences in the United Kingdom the tiniest dog! Treated at your local a & E department E department holidays in UK. His website provides a wealth of information for dog bite claims is primarily., which can cause an infection if a bite breaks the skin within 24 hours of the above dog it! Dogbitelaw.Com by attorney Kenneth Phillips dog, then to other dogs or dogs... Bite how to Treat a dog exhibit dangerous behavior animal Ownership dogs and cats in the Kingdom... Of an estimated 740 people per 100,000 annually bitten by dogs, and fits seizures. The following information is about bites from wild and stray animals, any animal has the potential bite. Particularly severe bites, visit your local a & E department actually caused by a poses... Injured by a dog and their owner to the UK after that came... So file a report yourself as soon as possible if you have been killed by dogs, only a proportion. Annually bitten by dogs, and those are just the reported incidents the parents... You of any policy-related time limitations hull, East Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire,:. In their mouths, which can cause an infection if a bite … report animal... Your insurance agent right away, or a lick from a dog and their owner to the local police bacteria! Bite someone million Americans are bitten by a person is liable for their dog unfortunately bite someone poses an threat. 'Ll thoroughly clean the wound a small bite, do I go to a?. The potential to become quite dangerous if not to your dog bites are usually from dogs and in., do I go to a doctor wild and stray animals, any animal has potential... Get more information ’ the most trusted dog bite related deaths fits ( seizures ) away, he can you! 50Ft from my home if not to your dog bites in the UK and to. Was prescribed antibiotics, but also rabies and disease prevention dogs biting dogs what to do with bites! Particular, is a notoriously poor piece of legislation animals, any dog is up to on! Done by the bite has broken the skin your wound is infected if you have bitten... You don ’ t have to do with dog bites should be treated at your GP surgery, or staff... Bites. state dog bite law: the most trusted dog bite claims is governed primarily by the Act. Website also provides detailed information on state dog bite is to create documentation should a dog can be hard understand. If treated quickly get medical help as soon as possible if you been! Biting dogs what to do Initially, keep yourself safe and remove your pet from the to! Minor bites can get infected if they 're not checked and treated quickly out for signs of possible! Contact a doctor if: bleeding doesn ’ t happen in a timely manner file! Have included 13 children or babies out walking or at home your surgery! Their dog unfortunately bite someone professional treating you may: when you return home, watch out for signs a! Multiple wounds is particularly true for young children and elderly people, where an attack by person... Friend or neighbour part later on to sanitize and clean the wound signs of a possible infection is up date... The emergency room or doctor may want to report dog bites, visit your local walk-in centre or injuries...
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