In the wake of a fresh plea by Arapahoe County Animal Services, residents with canines are being urged to step up and report any incidents of dog bites. As reported by Arapahoe County, the agency emphasizes the importance of addressing such incidents quickly to mitigate risks, especially citing rabies prevention.
Alyssa Haden, Field Supervisor at Animal Services, acknowledges the fear of reporting a bite, afraid that their pet will be confiscated, as obtained by Arapahoe County. However, she assures that the intention is not to punish, but to facilitate a resolution. In most cases, a dog that’s bitten a person is placed on a brief in-home observation period to verify the health of the pet, she states, simplifying a process that might seem daunting to worried pet owners.
The procedure mandated by state law requires healthcare providers to inform the local animal control agency of any dog or cat bites that break the skin. This regulation ensures public health officials have a fighting chance at stopping rabies, a fatal disease without a human case reported in the state since 1931 before it can spread to humans. Pet owners left uncertain about the proper response to a bite incident are encouraged to contact Animal Services for guidance.
When a bite is reported, Animal Services dispatch an animal control officer to connect with the pet owner to check on the pet's rabies vaccination status, and provide both guidelines and resources, according to Animal Services. During a 10-day quarantine imposed regardless of vaccination records, pets are kept under observation at home to monitor for rabies symptoms. After quarantine, an officer confirms the animal’s health with a home check.
While Arapahoe County does not require dogs to be licensed, proof of current rabies vaccination is mandatory. This focus on rabies vaccination over licensing is part of the county's broader strategy to maintain public safety and pet welfare within the community.
