Calling Animal Control on Domesticated Pets?

Answer 1

Most people have no qualms about calling animal control when they come across a skunk or another wild animal. Fewer people are willing to call for help when they find a domesticated pet prowling about their neighborhood without a leash. The reluctance to call for animal control is understandable but misplaced. Even domesticated pets can be a danger to humans, other pets and personal property. Pet owners are often willing to let their dogs roam the neighborhood without a leash because they believe them to have a friendly personality. Perhaps at home, they do. But when confronted by a stranger, they may instinctively become aggressive in defense of their master, their territory, or out of fear for themselves or their young. Even small children who pose no real threat may trigger their instinctive defenses. Certain breeds of dogs can cause serious damage with their bite. Pitbulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers and a few other breeds are known to be extremely dangerous when they feel threatened. Past maulings have left people permanently disfigured or dead. Even seemingly less dangerous breeds of small dogs can cause enough damage to warrant a trip to the ER. The elderly, infirm and the very young are especially at risk of attack since dogs may be more bold in biting them. The microbes found in the saliva of a dog can also be cause for concern. Though a dog's lick rarely causes illness in humans, dogs may be infected with communicable diseases like Rabies that can be spread via the microbes in saliva entering the blood stream through an open wound. Even a small scratch may be enough to warrant a round of shots or antibiotics. Responsible pet owners should always have their furry friends secured on leashes, in doors or behind fences. However, pets sometimes get free or their owners do not understand the actual risk their pets may pose to strangers. When dogs and other domesticated pets are seen roaming free without a leash, it is always a good idea to call for animal control.