Biting Dogs
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All dogs can bite. A person is most likely to be bitten by a family pet in or near the dog's home or when the dog's owner is in close proximity. Dogs may bite when they are frightened, threatened, injured or when they attempt to be dominant, territorial or possessive. Sometimes the dog is in pain, has pups or a medical condition, but more frequently the biting is due to the dog's inadequate training and socialisation, or the dog owner's lack of control.
Biting is not a socially acceptable dog behaviour, and any incident can have a number of serious consequences for the dog, the owner and the victim.
The relationship between the dog and owner may quickly deteriorate. The dog may have to be destroyed or permanently restrained, confined or muzzled in public. The dog owner will have to provide additional security for the dog and pay fines, prosecution costs, civil damages and medical treatment for the victim. The victim may suffer injury, psychological trauma, loss of work or damage to property. The Council has to investigate the complaint and deal with the social, legal and emotional aftermath.
To contact us regarding a dog biting incident please phone 347-2800 (24 hour line) or Darfield 318-8338.