Animal Services Searching for Dog that Bit Woman in Citrus Springs

Citrus Springs – Animal services is currently looking for a dog that attacked a woman on Aug. 24 on Vince Drive in Citrus Springs.

Animal services described the dog as a small-to medium-sized stray with white on its chest and neck.

If the dog is not located the woman will have to be administered a series of rabies shots, so anyone with information about this dog’s whereabouts should contact Citrus County Animal Services.

Suffering a dog bite can be extremely painful, but when someone is bit by a stray dog additional anxieties can be triggered. Stray dogs are more likely to carry diseases, which is why medical treatment must be sought immediately following a stray dog bite attack. Stray dogs can transmit rabies to a human through a bite, and if not treated soon enough the disease can become untreatable and typically fatal within a matter of days. However, if the virus is treated right away the infection can be cured quite easily through a series of shots called rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

Rabies is a potentially fatal virus that is transmitted through the saliva of animals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 40,000 people receive a rabies prevention treatment every year due to a potential exposure to rabies via contact with wild or domestic animals, including cats and dogs. Dogs were responsible for 75 rabies cases in the U.S. in 2008 and 81 cases in 2009.

Strays or free-ranging dogs are responsible for numerous dog bites and attacks every year across the United States. Remember, there are several things that you can do to help you and your loved ones avoid getting bit by a stray dog in Citrus County. Never approach or try to feed a stray dog, even if they seem friendly. Try and avoid running away from or screaming at the animal, as this can only increase the risk for an attack. If you see a stray animal near you, continue walking and once you have reached a safe distance contact animal control to report the dog.

If you or someone you love is bit by a dog in Citrus Springs, Crystal River or Inverness, contact the Citrus County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton as you may be entitled to compensation from the person or entity responsible. We can review your claim at no cost and begin collecting and preserving any important pieces of evidence. Contact us online or call us in Inverness at 352-726-0078.