Vicious Dog Protocol

Tools

Story Published: Nov 20, 2007 at 10:14 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 12:14 PM MST

By Rick Montañez

Video

The story about a deputy shooting a family dog raises several questions, including how many times can a dog bite or attack someone before action should be taken taken? And when is it legally okay for a dog to be put down?

The tough part here is that smaller counties, like Teton, usually don't have animal control officers. And many patrol officers don't have proper training or experience to handle animals. But as I found out from Idaho falls animal control, dealing with a vicious dog is more complex than you think.

"Rick: When is it okay for an officer to use their weapon against the dog?
Irene Brown: We would only use a weapon against a dog if the dog came at us viciously."

But other than that, its just like with a person, officers can't use force, especially deadly force, unless their directly in danger.

If a dog does bite someone,

"...the bite has to be reported to the police," says Irene Brown, the Animal Services Manager for the Idaho Falls Police Department.

Then the dog has to be quarantined for 10 days, to make sure it doesn't have rabies.

"Rabies is a fatal disease," adds Brown. "Within 10 days it will show signs."

If rabies isn't found the dog can be released back to the owner, but don't let your dog bite twice.

"According to city ordinance, after two verified bites or attacks, the dog can be deemed vicious and then the dog can be Euthanized."

If a dog is deemed vicious, the owner will have 10 days to convince a judge the dog is safe, otherwise, it will be put to sleep.

The Idaho Falls city ordinances dealing with dogs are based off of state recommendations, but Brown tells Channel 3 Eyewitness News they're in the process of revamping those laws to be more specific. She encourages you to contact animal control to give some input.

Current Weather

Current Temp 15.0 °F

Overcast

Video

More Weather

Current Weather

More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.