<div>Dear friends and neighbors,</div>
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<div>In response to the recent incident regarding a vicious dog, questions have arisen about what residents can and should do if they suffer a dog bite. Our police have forwarded the following statement about such incidents:</div>
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<div>"In a reported dog bite case, we start by taking the report. If the dog is contained on property that is not his own and we can't identify or find the owner, we will have Animal Control come and pick up the dog. If the dog is not vicious (such as an accidental bite) and the dog is not at home but we can find a way to contain him in a fenced-in yard, pen, or other area, we also contact Animal Control and have them come to take custody of the dog. If the dog is at his owner's house, we leave him there. Animal Control officials handle any follow-up investigation."</div>
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<div>The key in asking for direct help from County Animal Control is being able to contain the animal so that when they are able to get their, the officer has reasonable assurance the dog will still be there. Simply reporting that someone has been bitten by a loose dog will NOT get a response--or at least not a timely response--from Animal Control.</div>
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<div>I hope this information is useful.</div>
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<div>Best wishes,</div>
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<div>Vern</div>
<div><br>-- <br>Vernon Archer, Mayor<br>Town of Riverdale Park, Maryland </div>