All animal bites or scratches that occur at Paws Humane that break the skin are taken very seriously. The area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. You must report any bites/scratches immediately to allow Paws Humane staff to determine if it has broken the skin. An Animal Bite Form must be filled out promptly by an adoptions staff or manager. The adoptions staff/manager will then walk you next door to Animal Control. An officer at Animal Control will also fill out a report.
The animal must be quarantined for a period of no less than ten (10) days. During that 10-day period, a licensed veterinarian must examine the animal and a final examination shall be conducted ten (10) days following the bite to ensure that the animal has not broken out with rabies.
The Code of Georgia Section 31-19-4 (2014) requires that, “any person bitten by any animal reasonably suspected of being rabid immediately to notify the appropriate county board of health. It shall be the duty of the owner, custodian, or person having possession and knowledge of any animal which has bitten any person or animal or of any animal which exhibits any signs of rabies to notify the appropriate county board of health and to confine such animal in accordance with rules and regulations of the county board of health.”
- Failure to report a bite is a misdemeanor and may be prosecuted.
- The County Rabies Officer is responsible for notifications regarding the Paws Humane Society, Inc. and affected parties as to an animal’s rabies status.
Rabies is a serious and fatal disease if left untreated. There is no cure once the victim becomes symptomatic. Treatment for a bite or scratch should begin immediately after the animal is deemed to be rabid or if the animal cannot be quarantined or tested to determine its rabies status.
By signing this protocol, you are agreeing to follow the proper protocol above. Failure to follow the proper protocol above will result in your termination of Paws Humane Volunteer Program.
I have read and understand each of the above conditions. By signing below, I agree to adhere to all listed above.