Note: LCAS does not handle issues regarding wild animals.
For issues involving a bite to a human by a wild animal, contact Lane County Environmental Health by calling (541) 682-4480.
Other issues regarding wildlife

General Bite Reporting - Quick Tips

• Fill out and submit a Bite Report Form (Forma De Mordedura De Animal)
• Mandatory bite reporting is only required if the teeth make contact with the skin resulting in a break to the skin (as in a puncture).  If the bite makes contact with clothing and the teeth did not tear through the clothing making skin contact, it is not considered a 'reportable bite.'
• Report the bite to the jurisdictional agency for where the incident happened. For bites that happen within the city limits of Eugene, contact Environmental Health.  For bites that happen within any other incorporated city in Lane County, please call your city animal control agency.  View contact information.
• LCAS handles bite reporting for incidents that happen in the unincorporated areas of Lane County.  Check the address here.
• Quarantine is for 10 days, beginning on the incident date (count as day one).
• The pet is required to be quarantined either on the owner's premises in such a manner as to prevent the pet from being in contact with any other animal or person; or at the owners expense at a veterinary hospital, Animal Services kennel or a kennel approved by Animal Services.
• The pet may not be euthanized (owners choice) until after the quarantine period.
• Any animal that has been bitten by an animal proved to be rabid shall be euthanized.
• If your pet's rabies vaccination is expired at the time of the incident, you may not obtain one until after the quarantine period.

Don't Worry, They Won't Bite...

 
While that's true for the vast majority of dogs, even the cuddliest, fuzziest, sweetest pup can bite if provoked.  Unwisely, some owners actually promote aggression in their dogs as symbols of power.  From nips to bites to actual attacks, dog bites are a serious problem.  Dog bite victims requiring medical attention in the United States number 500,000 to 1 million annually.  Countless more bites go unreported and untreated.  On average, about a dozen people die each year from dog bites.  Fortunately, there are steps we can take to address this problem.

Who's Being Bitten?
Children make up more than 60 percent of all dog bite victims.  The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates half of all children 12 and younger have been bitten by a dog.  The elderly and home service people - like mail carriers and meter readers - also are high on the list of frequent dog bite victims.

What's a Dog Owner to Do?
Carefully consider your pet selection.  Before and after selection, your veterinarian is the best source for information about behavior and suitability.

Make sure your pet is socialized as a young puppy so it feels at ease around people and other animals.  Under controlled circumstances, expose your puppy to a variety of situations a little at a time. Continue that exposure on a regular basis as your dog gets older.  If you're not sure how your dog will react to a large crowd or a busy street, be cautious.  Don't put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased.

Train your dog.  The basic commands "sit", "stay", "no" and "come" can be incorporated into fun activities that build a bond of obedience and trust.  Don't play aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war with your dog.

Keep your dog healthy.  Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases.  Parasite control is important to how your dog feels and behaves.

Neuter your pet.  It's a fact: neutered dogs are less likely to bite.

Be a positive pet owner.  License your dog as required and obey leash laws.  Dogs are social animals; spending time with your pet is important.  Dogs that are frequently left alone have a greater chance of developing behavior problems.

Be alert.  Know your dog.  Be alert to signs of illness and watch for signs your dog is uncomfortable or feeling aggressive.

How can my Family and I Avoid Being Bitten?
Be cautious around strange dogs and treat your won pet with respect.  Because children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, parents and care-givers should:

• NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.  Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.
• Start teaching your children - including toddlers - to be careful around pets.
• Children must be taught NOT to approach strange dogs.  Children should be taught to ask permission from a dog's owner before petting the dog.

Other Tips that May Stop/Prevent a Dog Attack

• Don't run past a dog.  Dogs naturally live to chase and catch things.  Don't give them a reason to become excited or aggressive
• Never disturb a dog that's caring for puppies, sleeping or eating.
• If a dog approaches to sniff you - stay still.  In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you're not a threat.
• If a dog threatens you, remain calm.  Don't scream.  If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.  Avoid eye contact.  Try to stay still until the dog leaves. or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.  Don't turn and run.
• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck.  Protect your face.

What Should I Do If My Dog Bites Someone?
Even if the bite can be explained (perhaps someone stepped on the dog's tail), it is important that you take responsibility by taking these steps:

• Restrain the dog immediately.  Separate it from the scene of the attack.  Confine it.
• Check on the victim's condition.  Wash wounds with soap and water.  Professional medical advise should be sought to evaluate the risk of rabies or other infections.  Call 911 if a paramedic response is required.
• Provide important information.  Your name and address, and information about the dog's most recent rabies vaccination.  If your dog does not have a current rabies vaccination, it may be necessary to quarantine it or even have it euthanized for rabies testing.  The person bitten may need to undergo rabies treatment. If your dog does not have a current rabies vaccination, DO NOT obtain one until your dog has been released from quarantine as healthy.
• Report the bite to your insurance company.
• Comply with local ordinances regarding the reporting of dog bites.
• Consult your veterinarian for advice about dog behavior that will help prevent similar problems in the future.

If  You Are The Bite Victim - Treat Wounds
If your dog bit you, confine it immediately and call your veterinarian to check your dog's vaccination records.

If someone else's dog bit you, contact authorities. Tell them everything you can about the dog (color, size, where you saw it and if you've seen it before) and the owner if you know it. These details may help animal control officers locate the dog.

Dogs are wonderful companions.  By acting responsibly, owners not only reduce the number of dog bites, but also enhance the relationships they have with their dogs.  To learn more about the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership, contact your veterinarian or local veterinary association.

Animal Bites and Rabies
Reporting a Bite
The owner of a dog or cat which bites a human shall immediately notify Lane County Animal Services of the bite. Notification should include the time and circumstances as well as the name and address of the person bitten, if known.

Any person who is bitten by a dog or cat shall notify Lane County Animal Services of the bite giving a description of the animal, time and circumstances of the bite, and name and address of the owner, if known.

When a doctor, veterinarian, hospital employee, or other person has information that a dog or cat has bitten a person, this individual shall notify Lane County Animal Services.

Biting - Quarantine
When either Lane County Animal Services, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Public Safety of Lane County has grounds to suspect that a dog or cat is infected with rabies, the owner of the animal will receive a written notice.  The owner shall then be required to quarantine his or her animal for 10 days.  The biting of a person by the animal shall constitute grounds for suspecting the animal is infected with rabies.  The delivery of the notice to a member of the owner's family 15 years or older at the premises where the animal is kept or at the owner's usual place of residence, shall be delivery of notice to the owner.

Any dog or cat required to be quarantined shall be confined as follows:

• On the owner's premises in a manner that prevents it from being in contact with any other animal or person; or
• At the owner's expense at a veterinary hospital, Lane County Animal Services' kennel or a kennel approved by either the Department of Health and Human Services or Lane County Animal Services.
• Any animal that has been bitten by a dog or cat proved to be rabid will be destroyed.
• If a dog or cat exhibits symptoms of rabies while it is under quarantine, the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services may order in writing that it be destroyed and its head be submitted as directed to the Oregon State Public Health laboratory.

In accordance with State Code, all domestic animal bites must be reported (cats, ferrets, etc.)

References:
Lane Code     7.090 (Reporting)
Lane Code     7.095 (Quarantine)

Information on the Lane County Code regarding animal services.
Information regarding filing a complainant for dangerous dog behavior.

Obtain a dog bite form here. (Forma De Mordedura De Animal)