I Just Got Bitten By A Dog!

[andrewang]

I was taking my usual route to school when I noticed a border collie wandering on the walkway. I ignored it and kept walking. It leaned in to sniff at me and grabbed my knee! Thank god I was wearing jeans and it couldn't get a grip on me. I shouted at it and backed away while eyeing it. It started scratching at a door and someone opened the door to allow it in.

I went to school to check out the damage and realise it was worse than I thought. There were puncture wounds and bleeding . I called the council and they said a Ranger will go take a look.

What will the Ranger do to the dog? I feel kinda bad now going straight to the council without speaking to the owner first.

[Staffyluv]

Don't feel bad - any dog that bites a human (unprovoked) should be reported.

[Steph M]

I wouldn't fancy knocking on their door terribly if the dog were going to answer... you were en route somewhere, you shouldn't have to stop and tell the owners their dog bit you. If the dog scratched at the door and they casually let him in, they probably know he gets out. I would be very surprised to hear my dog scratching at the front door.

Not sure what the ranger will do, but you certainly shouldn't feel bad. It's you this time, a (so I assume!) healthy, able bodied guy. What if the next person isn't so lucky? If my dog bit someone I would expect the council around, I'd be pretty mortified too.

Hopefully they get their butts into gear and confine the dog properly.

Edited August 26, 2013 by Steph M

[kelpiecuddles]

Don't feel bad. You were wearing jeans, just think how bad it would have been if you were in shorts! Any dog that bites like that needs the rangers to go and talk with the owners to ensure a solution that will keep people safe.

[_PL_]

Firstly go to the doctor! You'll need antibiotics asap and possibly a tetanus update.

Then you'll also have a report to prove you were bitten and stating the extent of the injuries.

It's not as simple as rangers grabbing the dog for euthanasia as far as I know so you haven't instantly condemned the dog by reporting it. There's a process, in the end they may face fines, a dangerous dog declaration and enforcement of fencing or containment.

That's my understanding of the setup in NSW, not sure about VIC. Follow it through. If they have a biter out wandering it really needs sorting for it's own safety and that of the public.

Hope you feel better soon.

Edited August 26, 2013 by Powerlegs

[Pattycake]

Don't feel bad about reporting it, it is what is needed to be done to stop it happening again.

I hope you have been to the doctor as any dog bite that breaks the skin can turn 'nasty' hope you're ok.

[melzawelza]

You did the right thing in reporting it. Take photographs of the injury and go to the doctor and get a report. The Council will need that.

[mac'ella]

hopefully the owners will learn from it and will prevent another attack,which would be a bad result for both the dog and the victim,if you didn't report it they would be none the wiser and probably let it out again.

[Santo66]

What will the Ranger do to the dog?

That depends on what the owner's response is to the enquiry.

[OSoSwift]

You did the right thing, I second or third?? going to the dog or hospital and getting it checked and a record of the injuries.