Study Shows Most Animals That Bite Aren't Strays
by Inessa Meyerovich

A recent study conducted by the Fort Worth, TX, Animal Care and
Control Division indicates most animals that bite people within Fort
Worth are unrestrained, unlicensed and unvaccinated, but not strays.
"I think a lot of people are thinking that most of the bite animals
are your feral dogs and cats that have been strays for years and
years, and that's just not the case," said Keane Menefee, a Fort
Worth Animal Control Supervisor.

According to the study, which was undertaken to determine the extent
of the animal-bite problem and find remedies for it, approximately 75
percent of animals that had bitten someone had an owner; almost 90
percent were not vaccinated against rabies, and more than 95 percent
were not licensed.

Jason Lamers, a Fort Worth Department of Health spokesperson, said he
thought the actual percentages were higher because many individuals
deny ownership after an attack.

The City has begun not only distributing pamphlets and flyers about
responsible pet care, but placing public service announcements
promoting it on billboards, in areas in which a large number of bites
occur.

© 2001 Animal News Center, Inc.

from Animal News Center - http://www.anc.org

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Dec 22, 2001