Monday, two large Pit Bulls inadvertently menaced a small Sacramento neighborhood. The two male dogs--one blue and the other red--ran up to children and scared the local residents, though neighbors report the dogs didn't injure anyone or do anything other than trot up to people. However, due to their size and breed, they scared several people. One child cried when the blue dog ran up to her. A woman screamed at the dogs. No one wanted to try to round up the two dogs.
It's unknown whether anyone called animal control, but fortunately an officer with Chako Pit Bull Rescue driving near her home spotted the two large dogs running down the side of the road. She drove ahead of them, stopped in a safe place, opened her car door, and enticed the two dogs to jump inside. They happily obliged.
One of the dogs, nicknamed Lucky, is now being fostered by Chako Pit Bull Rescue. However, the rescue had only one foster spot available, so the other, less fortunate dog--nicknamed Cagney--was delivered to the local animal control with the hopes that he has an owner looking for him (and the agency has placed a note that there were two dogs running and any owner should contact the rescue if they are missing two dogs).
The incident ended so much happier than do so many other stories about loose Pit Bulls. It's a good example of how appearances can alter perception. Lucky and Cagney are large Pit Bulls, but they were not trying to hurt anyone. Most likely, they simply got out of their owner's yard and were running around and, like most Pit Bulls, were eager to greet strange people with licks of their tongues and wags of their tails.
Of course, the residents were understandably wary about two large Pit Bulls running loose. In fact, it's wise to be wary about approaching any strange dog. However, having two large dogs running loose presents its own safety concerns. A motorist could hit one of the dogs (or swerve, resulting in a serious human injury). The dogs might be perfectly fine with people, but could chase cats or other dogs (though these two strays apparently did not). Large, playful dogs can knock over a child or elderly person.
Local animal control agencies are often understaffed, meaning calls to pick up stray dogs often receive a lower priority than emergency calls. Sometimes, citizens may want to try to catch a stray dog and hold it until an animal control officer can arrive. A few simple tips can make catching a stray a little less daunting.
Tips for interacting with a stray dog:
- Observe the dog's body language. Is its tail low and wagging and ears pricked forward? Is its butt or boddy wiggling with excitement? Such body language is one indicator a dog may be happy to have you approach.
- When dogs' ears are held back or flat against their skull, that's an indication the dog is stressed or afraid; use caution.
- A dog's tail tucked between its legs indicates the dog is frightened; be careful because a frightened dog may bite.
- A dog's tail held high and wagging is not always a sign the dog is friendly; that can also be a sign the dog is excited or aroused. Aggressive dogs often hold their tails high when growling or lunging.
- Be aware that there are breed differences in how dogs hold their tails, so focus on a dog's overall demeanor when trying to interpret its body language.
- Do not chase down or corner a stray. Instead, try to entice the animal with food. If you do not have food handy, and the dog's body language indicates it's happy to see you, crouch down, pat your knees, and speak in a happy, high-pitched voice. Use "baby talk" to make the dog more willing to approach.
- If a dog's body language indicates it might be friendly, and you are in a vehicle, pull ahead of the dog, open your rear car door, and see if the dog will simply jump inside.
- Once you catch a stray, remain calm and speak in a soft, pleasant voice. Do not force the animal into an area it doesn't want to go, but softly encourage it, if need be.
- Call your local animal control or drive the dog to the shelter. A shelter is the first place most reasonable owners search for their lost pets.
Be aware that there is always a risk in interacting with a stray dog, even one that appears friendly. If the stray dog bites a person and escapes, the victim will need post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies. Anyone attempting to catch a stray animal assumes a risk of getting bitten. However, catching a stray dog can possibly prevent injury to others and/or the stray animal itself, so concerned residents should weigh the risks and benefits when faced with such a situation.
Comments