Animal Bites

Rabies

Rabies can be transmitted when a bite or scratch is inflicted by an infected mammal. Rabies most often resides in wildlife populations of bats, skunks and foxes.

Dogs and cats may also carry this fatal virus if they come into contact with infected wildlife or pets. Vaccinating our pets against rabies helps to protect them and the community against this deadly virus.

What to Do After Animal Bites

If someone you know is bitten by a dog, cat or any type of warm-blooded animal:

• Don't ignore it, don't panic and don't kill the animal unless it is wild or cannot be captured.
• Try to identify the animal in case it gets away.
• Seek first aid (clean the wound immediately) and call your family doctor or the Gratiot County Health Department 989-875-3681
• Contact the Animal Control Department for a bite report and rabies quarantine of the animal.

If You Own the Animal That Has Bitten Someone

• Don't kill it or put it to sleep.
• Don't give it away or allow it to stray. Keep it confined away from other people and animals.
• Call Animal Control immediately.
• Have any vaccination records and licensing receipts ready to show the officer.
• It must be quarantined for 10 days.

The owner is responsible for his pet if it bites and may be held responsible for medical expenses that may result.