Reported dog bites in Davidson County for the first half of fiscal year 2011 were down significantly compared to numbers from the two previous years, a downward trend Metro Animal Care and Control Director Judy Ladebauche calls “significant.”
From July 1 to Dec. 30, 2010 (fiscal year 2011 started July 1), MACC reported 199 bites. At the current rate, fiscal year 2011 will see no more than 400 reported dog bites.
By comparison, the number of reported dog bites in fiscal year 2009 was 670 incidents and 579 during the same period in 2010.
“It would be incredible if our number at June 30 ends up being below 400,” Ladebauche said. “Dog bites are a serious public health issue. While there will never be a time without bites, we hope this trend continues.”
Ladebauche credited community-wide efforts to educate citizens about animal safety as playing a role in the reduced numbers.
On a related note, Ladebauche said Davidson County has seen no rabies cases attributed to dogs in many years.