600-43 Animal Bites Flashcards
When an officer arrives on a scene involving a dangerous, vicious, stray, or wild animal that poses a nuisance or a danger but there is no attack or bite to a person, the officer shall contact the ______and _______to capture or contain the animal.
the City’s BARC Animal Shelter, Adoptions Division (BARC)
When an officer arrives on a scene involving an animal bite to a person, the officer shall
Deal with any immediate threats. Secure and contain the scene as best as possible. Protect against anyone being bitten or attacked, and also warn nearby neighbors regarding the active scene.
Obtain appropriate information about the suspected animal, the victim, and the incident.
If the animal becomes mobile, attempt to keep the animal in sight.
Contact BARC, inform them of the details, and follow their instructions.
If BARC cannot make the scene in a timely manner (less than an hour), officers shall continue the investigation by:
Obtaining complete information on what the animal and victim were doing prior to, during, and after the bite.
Advising the victim to seek immediate medical attention from a physician or hospital.
Attempting to locate the animal’s custodian or owner and obtaining the following information:
- Whether or not the animal has been vaccinated.
- Name of the veterinarian used by the owner or custodian.
- The location of the animal, if not already known.
- Whether or not the owner or custodian allows the animal to roam as a stray.
- Whether or not the animal has suffered from any diseases or medical problems.
Talking with witnesses about the animal’s prior behavior and if there existed any type of history between the victim and the animal.
Completing a detailed and thorough incident report.
Advising the victim to contact BARC regardless of the seriousness of the bite.
If BARC arrives at the scene before officers clear the call, officers shall:
Turn over the incident and the scene to BARC’s authority.
Turn over any information gathered to the animal enforcement officer.
Render any assistance needed.
When the scene is safe and secure, return to duty and clear the call by stating it was turned over to BARC.
However, officers shall still make an incident report for future reference (a report in this instance does not need to be turned over to BARC).
If any person is attacked by an animal or is in imminent danger of being attacked by an animal, officers are authorized to use any response necessary ____ and _______ to stop the animal (see General Orders 600-17, Response to Resistance and 200-16, Firearm and Soft-Impact Weapon Discharges).
up to, including deadly force
However, if the situation can be contained without further danger of attack or injury, officers shall __________.
turn over the capture or destruction of the animal to BARC.
When officers are dispatched to investigate a dead animal and the animal is considered high risk or the animal has bitten someone, officers shall:
Secure the scene upon arrival.
Contact BARC, inform them of the details, and follow their instructions
Follow other appropriate procedures as outlined in section 1 of this General Order.
When officers are dispatched to investigate a dead animal and the animal is considered low risk and the animal has not bitten anyone, officers shall:
If possible, place or have the animal placed (without directly touching it) in a plastic bag for the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department to pick up
Try to secure the area to prevent contamination or human, animal, or insect contact
Advise the citizen to call 3-1-1 and request pick up by the Solid Waste Management Department, Dead Animal Collection section
When officers are dispatched to investigate a dead animal that was probably killed by a domestic animal (usually a pet), officers shall follow the above directives.
______ makes the final decision on what happens to an animal that has bitten a person.
BARC
BARC cannot be _____ by other persons, including county judges, veterinarians, chiefs of police, or pet owners
overruled
