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1. What do I do if I have been bitten by an animal?

Seek medical attention for the bite immediately. Your medical provider should contact Burke County Animal Control if you have been bitten, if they don’t then you contact (828) 438-5500 to report it yourself. If you decide not to seek medical treatment for the bite you must still report the bite, even if it is your own animal that has bitten you.

2. If my animal has bitten someone, will Burke County Animal Control take the animal from me?

No but the animal is required to be quarantined ten (10) days as a public health preventative measure. The owner is allowed to get the animal back after the quarantine period is over but if the animal dies for any reason during the quarantine then it must be tested by the state lab for rabies.

3. Does my animal have to be quarantined at the animal shelter?

An animal that has bitten someone must be quarantined at a state licensed facility. This means that you can pay to have your animal quarantined at a state license boarding facility provided they are aware they are boarding an animal for bite quarantine and are willing to do so. You must provide Burke County Animal Control with the name, address, and phone number of the facility boarding the animal. Animal control will contact the facility to verify the animal is in their care, to verify the animal is being housed by itself, to check on the animal during the quarantine period, and to inform the facility when the animal may be released from quarantine.

4. How do I get a copy of a bite report?

Bite reports are only released after the bite case has been closed which may not be until after the required quarantined period is over for the animal that bit the victim.

 Bite reports can only be released to: 

1. The owner of an animal involved in the bite case
2. The victim in a bite case

5. How do I protect myself against dog bites?

Tips to prevent dog bites:

1. Never approach a dog you don’t know or a dog that is alone without its owner, especially if the dog is behind a fence, tied with a rope or chain, or in a parked car.
2. Never approach a dog that is eating, sleeping or guarding something. Dogs naturally guard their puppies, food, bones and toys.
3. Never chase or tease dogs. Don’t poke, hit, pull, or pinch a dog.
4. Always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog.
5. Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
6. If attacked, give the dog an object, such as a jacket or backpack to bite or chew on.

6. If you are approached by a dog that may attack you, follow these steps:

1. Resist the impulse to scream and run away.
2. Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.
3. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.
4. If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
5. If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.