My Six Year-Old Was Incarcerated For TEN DAYS ... How Fair Was That?

Question

While I was on my way back home from the store, I got a call from my Mom, telling me that he'd broken off his tie-out when the mailman passed (he doesn't like the mailman) and run down the street into the field. The kid across the street - who has never had any contact with him - went after him and led him back into the yard by his leash. Apparently, when the child reached for the door knob to open the front door, the dog went into protective mode and nipped him on the back of his hand. I came home immediately, not knowing the whole story, thinking that he'd killed the boy. My father was holding the dog on the porch by the rest of his leash. I was relieved, and checked on the boy (I'll call him Brian, since I don't like saying 'the boy'). Well, Brian's little sister said that he was okay, but that their mom was coming from work to bring him to the doctor. Still shaking, I looked down the street and saw Brian walking toward us. I went up to him and asked him how he was. He

showed me the back of his hand, and said that it hurt a little ... but the flesh wasn't torn. It had just been a warning nip. His mother came around the corner and picked him up. A little later they came back. She told me that the doctor had given him a shot; the doctor also said to keep the dog in the house for fourteen days to watch him for signs of foaming at the mouth. If I kept him in the house for fourteen days, without letting him get loose, there wouldn't be a need to call the dog pound. However, the authorities got involved, and said he had to go to either the pound or a vet of my choice. (Even though Brian's mother wasn't pushing the issue ... she was very nice and knew that the dog had only reacted out of protectiveness. He'd allowed Brian to bring him home, and only nipped him when he touched the front door). Well, my vet didn't have space, so my dog had to spend ten days at the pound. It's interesting to note that the guy over the pound automatically assumed that

the dog was vicious as soon as he heard that he was part chow and part lab. When I led him in the yard, the guy tensed ... and was really surprised when the dog sat on command. He let me lead him into the kennel. I visited him everyday, spent an hour with him in his cell, talked to him. Everyday he looked more and more miserable. He lost his spark, he stopped wagging his tail. Even though I brought his favorite toy (he'd always loved ripping it off the ground whenever he saw me coming around the corner, and daring me to take it from him), he wouldn't touch it. I brought him his own food, but he barely touched it. I think the workers got attached to him, they started paying him extra attention. But it wasn't enough, I guess. His last day was that Saturday morning, so the owner told me he'd let me take him on Friday. I was excited; unfortunately, I had a slight accident that Friday, and never made it in to visit him. The workers couldn't wait around to give me time to get the

there, so I had to go in that Saturday anyway to pay the money to bail him out. That's when I found out that the workers had waited around a little bit longer the evening before. When I walked in front of his cell, he looked at me; it was heart-breaking, the haunted look in his eyes. I wonder if he figured I wasn't ever coming back, since I hadn't visited him the day before. He looked like he didn't even expect me to open his door to come in. Then he saw his leash, and I guess he figured it out. The second he was outside the cell door, he ran up and touched noses with his next-door neighbor, who he'd only heard barking, but never seen. Then we took a long drive, walked a little, and went home. But he still wasn't the same. For the rest of that day, he stretched out on the porch. His eyes were solemn, his tail didn't wag, and he wouldn't touch his toys. He wouldn't bark, and he wouldn't play. He slowly started getting some of his pep back, some of his playfulness ...

but he's never been the same since. His eyes are still haunted sometimes, his gaze more thoughtful. At six years old, he was still a puppy ... now he's an adult. It's sad that he's lost that innocence. I wonder if he can ever get it back?

I don't think I have to worry about Brian's mom coming after me. I spoke with her a few times afterwards, and she assured me that she didn't blame me or the dog. It was just a nip, and she knew that he was only protecting the house.

Yeah, he's on his rabies vaccination, and he has proof ... I guess they just felt they had to make sure.

I even asked his mother about the price of the bill, and she repeatedly waved it off. It was only a shot, she said, and her medical insurance took care of it. She's really nice about it.

That's really strange that they felt he had to be quarantined, though ... considering he was up to date on his vaccinations. I think I've heard some experts say that it's still possible not to be 100% free of rabies, even with the shot. Which really sucks, since it just seems to penalize the dog in the case of a bite ... or, in this case, a nip.

I keep him on his leash because Hurricanes Katrina and Rita blasted our fence down, and FEMA doesn't cover outside structures. Before that he was a VERY acrobatic fence jumper. I alternated taking him off while I was watching him and putting him on when I couldn't ... but one day he found a way over the fence and almost got hit by someone I'm sure would've stuck him down on purpose if they hadn't seen me in the street behind him with his leash. The look on that driver's face was evil ... and it was obvious what he was thinking. After that, I kept him on, letting him off only to take him for long walks every day (on his leash). He listens to me more now, but I'm still paranoid about what would happen if I trusted him again. There are too many people around who kill dogs on purpose. Now that I'm getting a little money, I'm getting ready to get a high fence built ... hopefully, it'll be too high for him to jump over. (I've seen him in action, his feet don't even TOUCH the fence!!

Actually, a gal and her dog ... he wasn't. As I stated earlier, he WAS up to date on his vaccinations, and he DID have proof. It's getting really weary repeating myself, as I assume everyone can read. But ... perhaps I'm wrong?

Answer 1

I am so sorry that this happened to him, and to you! My puppy had a very nasty hookworm infection a few months ago that nearly killed him, he was at the vet's for almost a full week. Everytime I visited him, he was the same as your baby... sullen, and pitiful. When it came time for us to take him home, he also saw his leash and jumped on me and my son, knocking us on our butts right in front of everyone. He was so happy, yelping, peeing everywhere, licking everyone, even the vet lol... Just give him time and spend LOTS and LOTS of one-on-one with him... and don't forget to take him for car rides to parks and such so he doesn't get the idea that car rides = bad place. Ours still is leary of the car, and like I said, it's been months. Try getting a 70 lb moose into a backseat! lol

Give him extra hugs :)

Good luck!

Answer 2

Everything you listed was proper procedure. Even if it seemed unfair. When the child went to the doctor. They are mandated reporters by the state. And due to the fact your dog was running loose is why they required you to confine at a vet or shelter. Your dog was not properly confined. They would be stupid to have allowed you to keep the dog.

The tense officer. I can't tell you how many times an owner has told me "Oh he doesn't bite" then why am I here? For a dog bite. That is the biggest lie dog owners tell themselves. While the dog is not vicious he was there regarding a dog bite and entering on his territory. Meaning he could get defensive at any moment. And any animal with teeth has the potential to bite.

The stay in the kennel. Many dogs do get depressed after a few days in the pound. But most times they are getting sick. These dogs are caged in an area with other dogs brought in from every situation under the sun. Even those dogs picked up already sick are not always euthanized. Even though ill they still have to give the owner a chance to claim their pet.

Animal cops is not the norm. Most shelters do not provide vet care for their stray animals. They are caged for the hold period and put down after the hold period if not claimed.

My advise is to have him checked by a vet and be sure to tell him he was in the pound for 10 days. He may just need a round of antibiotics.

Answer 3

Just be happy that the dog didn't hurt the boy more than he did. He may be your baby.. but our neighbors dog (sweetest thing in the world...) attacked a girl while the son was walking him...(bit her in the arm)... and they had to put him down.

I'd pay extra attention to the dog. Let him know that you still love him. He has been punished there is nothing you can do about it. Next time, keep him in the backyard if you must tie him up. Or if he is outside at times...an adult needs to be with him... HOLDING the leash.

I dont know what to do about the mom, go over and apoligize sincerly and see if there is anything you can go. Make sure that he is up to date on all of his shots... if the mom decides to press action... at least he will be up to date. Brian and his mother seem like very nice people, and understanding. The dog meant no harm... and I can understand exactly what the dog was thinking. It might be a new friend... but Brian touched something that was his... and he did not know him.

Answer 4

OK, let's start at the top.. The dog took off, the boy got him and led him all the way home where the dog bit him. It was not a bite out of "protectiveness", it was a bite out of nervousness or something else, but, it was not because he was being protective of the door knob or the house.
The kid was ok, that was a good thing, and the dog was quarantined just in case there was a rabies issue! That is standard procedure in most dog bites. He was not incarcerated, he was being held, just in case...
He was taken out of his environment and did not like it, that is why he shut down some, also perfectly normal with most dogs that do not have strong nerves to handle anything.
Lastly, he is 6 years old, he is a fully grown, mature dog, not a puppy, it will take a little longer for him to recover.
Stop taking this so hard, it is a dog, do not humanize, in a week he will not remember any of it, but, you will!!

Answer 5

Although I am very sorry that your dog had to go through that kind of experience, most of this was unfortunately caused by you. Most municipalities will not quarrantine a dog who is up to date on shots, with proof from a vet. In addition, it is never a good idea to tie a dog up outside and just leave it there, as you have now discovered in a bad way.

I would suggest in the future that you keep your dog inside, and if you can't, at least build a pen or fence your yard. And keep those shots current and license your dog.

I don't think the ER doctor would have put a small child through a shot if the bite didn't break the skin, so be prepared to be sued by mom for ER bills.

It seems you learned a hard lesson here.

Answer 6

Was the dog current on his rabies vaccination??? Usually "forced" holding like that is the result of a bite and the dog NOT being current on the rabies vaccination. Most towns do NOT let the owner hold the dog at home for a rabies hold. It is usually the law that it be at an approved facility...like the vet or local pound.

So, I get the impression that the dog was NOT current!! So, you are in violation by having a dog running at large and not current on rabies vaccine. You are very lucky that was all that happened. Fines could still be coming. Maybe the dog should NOT be on a tie-out!!!!!

I understand that this can have a lasting effect on the dog, but this was ALL avoidable!!!!!! It is the fault of no one but the owners!!!!! If the dog was up to date on vaccines and secured properly, the dog would not have gotten loose and this never would have happened. It could have been much worse, so be thankful that it wasn't!!!! All that has happened WAS fair. In most cases, it is the LAW!!

Answer 7

10 days is the standard length of quarantine (to see if an animal that has bitten a human, comes down with rabies.) Did you have proof that your pet had had his rabies vaccination? Owner-administered is NOT recognized in cases like this; or inside most city limits; it must be done BY A VET to be valid.
To the best of my knowledge, any time a Doctor has to treat a human for a dog bite, he is required BY LAW to report it to the authorities (usually animal control) and if the owner cannot provide satisfactory proof that the animal is indeed UTD on vaccines, it will need to be quarantined.

Answer 8

I don't see any reason that the boy needed a shot and that you needed to quarantine your dog. You said that the "bite" didn't break the skin so there is no possible way that rabies could have been transferred if your dog even had it. A dog with rabies would have done so much more than just nip. They would have ripped the hand open. It was completely ridiculous. The boy's doctor didn't know what he was talking about.

Answer 9

First off, a pet that has bitten a person is required by law to undergo a 10 day observation at the shelter or a veterinarian's office...even if it is up to date on vaccines. Your description of your dog since the release concerns me. Has he been to your veterinarian for a check up? It is very possible that he picked up a disease while at the shelter. Dogs like to hide illness and they are very good at it. It could be a simple doggy cold that has him feeling the blues, but to be safe your veterinarian can look him over. Continue getting him back into his old routine and buy him a new toy (such as a Nylabone or a Kong). I expect that he'll be back to himself in no time.

Answer 10

Give him a bit of time. Being kenneled at the pound can have severe psychological effects on some dogs, and it will take some time to get re-accustomed to being home. Be patient....he'll need some time.

I'm glad the boy wasn't seriously hurt, and that the Mom was understanding....but, if the dog was current on his rabies vaccinations, why would he need to be held?