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Animal Bites
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North Carolina General Statute I30A-I96 requires that when a person has been bitten by a dog or cat, the person or parent, guardian or person standing in loco parentis of the person bitten and the person owning the animal or in control or possession of the animal shall notify the local health director immediately.
In Durham County such notification is given by contacting Animal Control. An Animal Control Officer will take a report of the incident from the victim of the bite and the owner of the animal.
This law further requires that all dogs and cats that bite a person shall be immediately confined for 10 days in a place designated by the local health director (the Durham County animal shelter , licensed veterinarian or in certain circumstances in the home). This is regardless of the status of rabies vaccination. The purpose of the confinement is to isolate the animal for observation to determine if the animal may have transmitted the rabies virus to the victim through the bite.
Should you be bitten by an animal, contact Animal Control with all pertinent information such as the owner's name, address, phone number and description of the animal. If ownership cannot be confirmed, provide the last known location of the animal and the Animal Control Officer will attempt to locate the animal in that area.
Should your animal bite someone, be responsible. Assist the victim with the wound and provide them with your name, address, phone number, and information regarding vaccination of your animal against rabies. You are also required to contact Animal Control.
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