DALTON, Ga. — On a recent evening, County Commission Chairman Brian Anderson was enjoying a springtime run when two dogs charged at him.
“It scared the daylights out of me,” Mr. Anderson said, noting one small but vicious dog was snipping at the back of his leg.
He said he froze when he saw the two dogs coming at him, and he managed to escape unscathed.
“I think I was lucky to be honest with you,” he said, “because they were ready to bite.”
Local animal control authorities highlighted the problem in Whitfield County this week, which was actually designated as National Dog Bite Prevention Week.
Every year, 800,000 people in the U.S. seek medical attention to care for dog bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Since January, 40 canines classified as “biting dogs” have been brought to the Whitfield Animal Shelter; last week, nine of 10 “biting dog” kennels here were occupied by impounded canines, said Rabies Officer Diane Franklin. Among the dog-bite victims last week were a jogger, a bicyclist and a child playing in his own backyard.
Ms. Franklin holds dogs for 10 days to watch for signs of rabies, euthanizing ones guilty of viciously attacking.
“If at all possible, we go the 10-day route,” she said. “We realize ... these may be companion animals.” Dog owners are fined for breaking “owner confinement laws,” which require pets to be held onto property with a leash or fence.
AVOID DOG BITES
Don’t run and scream from a dog
Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog
If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still
Avoid eye contact with a dog
Don’t disturb a dog that’s sleeping, eating or caring for puppies
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“Animal-at-large” citations require a mandatory court appearance and a $200 fine for a first offense, officials said.
Mr. Anderson, the commissioner, advised citizens to immediately report unconfined dogs, as he did during his recent brush while jogging.
But it’s not just runners who are vulnerable to dog attacks.
Postal workers could be considered expert, and are always on the lookout for biting dogs.
They carry “dog spray” and are taught to shield themselves with their mail bags, said Postmaster Sherry Hill.
But even expert postal workers can be caught with their guard down, Ms. Hill said.
A local letter carrier walked onto property and was attacked by another animal — a rooster.
“I think the rooster was out in the yard, and it thought he was invading its territory,” the postmaster said.
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