Experiencing a dog bite can be a traumatic and alarming event, especially in a dense, bustling city like San Francisco. For many, the immediate aftermath of such an incident is clouded with confusion and distress. Dog bites can have far-reaching consequences, from physical injuries to psychological trauma—but reporting them helps build a safer community for all.
If you are bitten by a dog in San Francisco, it is important to file a report with San Francisco Animal Care and Control. Here is what you need to know about the reporting process and the potential steps that many follow.
The Dangers…
Over the last several years, many cities in California – including San Francisco – have noticed an increase in the number of reported dog bites. Because dog bites can cause severe injuries with long lasting effects, dog owners must be aware of the potential bite risks presented by their particular breeds of dog.
According to statistics cited by Rebecca Katz, chief of San Francisco’s Animal Care and Control Department, over the last two years there were 766 reported bites in the city. In the prior two year period, only 543 dog bites were reported.
Katz attributed the increase to more…
In August 2011, a thirty-two year-old woman in Pacifica, California died tragically after being attacked by her pit bull. The woman’s husband came home to find the woman lying on the floor, severely injured. He called for medical assistance and the emergency responders who arrived pronounced her dead on the scene. Police officers had to shoot and kill the dog because it approached the emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who were trying to revive the woman. This unfortunate incident emphasizes the importance of knowing California’s laws regarding dog bites and what remedies are available to those who suffer injuries as a…
