Do Dogs Have to Be Quarantined After They Bite in North Carolina?

Do Dogs Have to Be Quarantined After They Bite in North Carolina?

Dog bites continue to happen in North Carolina. If a dog bite has injured you or your loved one, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are prepared to protect your rights and pursue the most compensation possible for you or your loved one’s dog bite injuries. An attorney can also help you understand the steps necessary to seek damages to cover your losses.

10-Day Confinement of Domestic Dogs Who Bite

North Carolina General Statute §130A-196 requires that dog bite incidents be reported to the local health department as soon as possible. The animal who bit must be put in confinement for 10 days after the incident in a location designated by the local health director. Doctors are also required to file a report with the local animal control officer or Animal Services when dog bite injuries occur.

What if the Dog Has Been Vaccinated for Rabies?

Regardless of whether the dog’s owner has proof of a rabies vaccination, the dog still needs to go into quarantine. By law, domestic dogs, cats, or ferrets that bite humans must be confined for at least 10 days. In North Carolina, most pet dogs and cats do not carry rabies. Nevertheless, if an animal showed no signs of rabies during the bite, a 10-day observation period is necessary to confirm whether it was infected and shedding the virus at that time.

Can the Dog Who Bit Be Confined in the Owner’s Home?

In North Carolina, a dog that has bitten someone can be confined in its owner’s home for the mandatory 10-day observation period provided that certain conditions are met. For example, the local health director must approve this arrangement, and the home must comply with any safety guidelines set forth by health authorities to ensure the dog’s secure containment. Additionally, the owner must ensure that the dog does not come into contact with other animals or individuals during this confinement period.

Animal Control shall make unannounced visits to examine the animal’s health; the final examination to release confinement shall be after the 10th day (240 hours) from the bite incident. 10. If not currently vaccinated, the animal shall be vaccinated against rabies at the end of the 10-day confinement period. These requirements allow for monitoring the dog’s health while minimizing stress on the animal and the owner, as long as public safety is maintained.

What if the Dog’s Owner Does Not Comply?

If the dog’s owner does not comply, the health director should require confinement under strict observation at a veterinary practice, a county animal shelter, or a county-contracted shelter.

When are Dogs That Bite Euthanized?

In North Carolina, a dog that bites a human can be euthanized, but some specific legal processes and circumstances must be considered. If a dog is found to be dangerous or poses a continued threat to public safety, local authorities, including animal control or public health officials, may decide to euthanize the dog. Factors that can influence this decision include the severity of the attack, the dog’s history of aggressive behavior, and whether the owner complied with necessary confinement and rabies vaccination laws.

Typically, a dangerous dog designation can lead to various consequences, including the possibility of euthanasia. However, before such measures are taken, the owner usually has the right to a hearing to contest the classification of their dog as dangerous. It is always advisable to consult with a legal professional or local animal control for guidance specific to any situation involving dog bites and potential euthanasia.

Recovering Compensation After a Dog Bite Injury in North Carolina

Recovering compensation after a dog bite injury in North Carolina can be challenging. Our state follows a modified contributory negligence rule, which may prevent compensation if the victim is found partially at fault. Victims should try to document the dog bite incident thoroughly, including medical records and witness statements. Hiring a personal injury attorney can be beneficial, as they can negotiate with insurance companies and advocate for the victim’s rights. The aim is to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, providing the necessary support for recovery.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If you or your loved one have been injured in a dog bite incident, you may be entitled to damages for your medical expenses, time off of work, and pain and suffering. Do not hesitate to contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced attorneys.

The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.

Source:

https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/lhds/manuals/rabies/docs/10day_domestic.pdf

https://injury.arnoldsmithlaw.com/

Image Credit:

https://www.freeimages.com/photo/dog-1361473

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