What Children Should Do If Attacked By A Dog

A dangerous dog investigation is underway after a dog bite has left an El Paso girl with stitches and scars.

Her mother is upset because city animal officers didn’t immediately take the adult boxer away.

The woman whose daughter may be scarred for life said she’s concerned for her children’s safety.

But Animal Services officials said in nonsevere cases, owners have the right to take their dog to their veterinarian.

“In a severe bite definition of the law, says it has to be — it says wounds, dog causing wounds of tearing of the muscle requiring hospitalization,” said Eduardo de Castro with El Paso Animal Services.

In this case, the 10-year-old girl was only bit on her nose.

De Castro said after a biting incident, no matter the breed, it is standard procedure to quarantine an animal either at the vet’s office or at animal services.

“The first order of event is to make sure the dog does not have rabies and be examined by a veterinarian,” De Castro said.

According to officials, the dog in this case is up to date with its shots.

This weekend’s events are still under investigation, so the dog has not been declared dangerous.

If it is, the owner will have to keep the dog enclosed at all times, a sign will have to be displayed stating there is a dangerous dog living at the home, the dog will have to be registered as dangerous once a year and the owner will have to get $100,000 liability insurance on the dog.

Investigators said the dog got out of its house after someone inside opened the door while the 10-year-old and other kids were playing outside. Witnesses reported the girl stepped in front of some younger kids to protect them from the dog.

“I don’t know the circumstances, so maybe she was a hero,” said De Castro. But he doesn’t recommend a child act like a hero. “Remain motionless. Any type of agitated type actions, arms or running or whatever may provoke an excited dog to be even more excitable.”

Officials said the dog in this case is quarantined at its vet’s office.

If the dog is declared dangerous, the owners will have 30 days to comply to the requirements or appeal the decision.