More often than not, dogs are one of man’s closest companions. However, dogs also account for the most animal bites in British Columbia. Dog bites tend to happen more in the summer months when people and pets spend more time outdoors. Children also tend to be the most common victims of dog bites and typically receive injuries to the arms, head, or neck. Wounds can range from minor scrapes and punctures to severe lacerations, crushing injuries, or even rabies in rare cases. These incidents can have lasting consequences for victims, including lifelong psychological trauma or limited mobility.
If a dog bites you or a loved one, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your health. It’s also equally essential to file a dog bite report. Reporting a dog bite is necessary if you want to secure compensation for property or physical damages incurred during the dog attack.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
After a dog bite, try to collect information from the dog owner or caretaker. You’ll need this information for your report. If there are witnesses to the attack, ask for their personal information too. Witness statements will support your case later. Then, seek out medical care at a clinic or hospital, regardless of how severe your injury is. Even minor wounds should be examined by a doctor. Healthcare providers can also give you notes concerning your condition, such as what injuries you sustained and what treatment is necessary for your recovery.
It’s also important to report the bite to your local animal control office. Animal control officers can determine if the dog who attacked you was properly vaccinated, whether it needs to be observed for signs of illness, and if it ultimately poses a danger to others. They can also inform you if the dog has been involved in an incident before.
How to Report a Dog Bite
To properly file a dog bite report, start by documenting the encounter in detail. Explain what happened leading up to, during, and after the accident. You’ll also need to state when and where the incident took place, ideally including an exact address. Include information about what the dog looks like and who their owner or caregiver is. Photographs and video evidence should also be included in your report. Take photos of your injury before and after you receive medical treatment. If you gathered information from witnesses, be sure to include these details as well. It’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer to help you put together a report since they can help you gather evidence and guide you through the process.
Do I Have to Report a Dog Bite?
Even if you only sustained minor injuries, you should always report a dog bite to animal control. Filing a report can prevent future incidents by identifying potentially dangerous dogs. BC operates under the “one bite” rule. This law holds dog owners responsible for injuries their dog caused when the owner knew their dog had aggressive tendencies. For example, a pet owner should be aware of the potential danger their dog poses if the pet previously bit or caused harm to someone. By documenting even the first incident, you establish a record that could protect others from harm.
Under the “one bite” rule, the injured party must prove the dog’s owner was aware of the animal’s behavior and failed to take reasonable precautions. Liability may also extend to property owners if they failed to mitigate risks posed by a dog on their premises as outlined in the Occupier’s Liability Act. Additionally, courts may assign shared responsibility if the injured person contributed to the incident in some way, such as provoking the dog or ignoring its warning signs.