Questions about animal control are frequently asked.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that a total of 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Of these, 756,000 require medical attention. Generally speaking, the victims in these attacks are not burglars or passersby, but children. The attacking dog is rarely a snarling stray, but rather the adoring family pet. Dog bites are a major child health problem in the United States, exceeding the total number of cases of measles, whooping cough, and mumps each year. (CDC) estimate that a total of 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Of these, 756,000 require medical attention. Generally speaking, the victims in these attacks are not burglars or passersby, but children. The attacking dog is rarely a snarling stray, but rather the adoring family pet. Dog bites are a major child health problem in the United States, exceeding the total number of cases of measles, whooping cough, and mumps each year. (CDC) estimate that a total of 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Of these, 756,000 require medical attention. Generally speaking, the victims in these attacks are not burglars or passersby, but children. The attacking dog is rarely a snarling stray, but rather the adoring family pet. Dog bites are a major child health problem in the United States, exceeding the total number of cases of measles, whooping cough, and mumps each year. (CDC) estimate that a total of 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Of these, 756,000 require medical attention. Generally speaking, the victims in these attacks are not burglars or passersby, but children. The attacking dog is rarely a snarling stray, but rather the adoring family pet. Dog bites are a major child health problem in the United States, exceeding the total number of cases of measles, whooping cough, and mumps each year. (CDC) estimate that a total of 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Of these, 756,000 require medical attention. Generally speaking, the victims in these attacks are not burglars or passersby, but children. The attacking dog is rarely a snarling stray, but rather the adoring family pet. Dog bites are a major child health problem in the United States, exceeding the total number of cases of measles, whooping cough, and mumps each year. are frequently asked. The (CDC) estimate that a total of 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Of these, 756,000 require medical attention. Generally speaking, the victims in these attacks are not burglars or passersby, but children. The attacking dog is rarely a snarling stray, but rather the adoring family pet. Dog bites are a major child health problem in the United States, exceeding the total number of cases of measles, whooping cough, and mumps each year.

 

Dogs are one of the most common causes of facial lacerations in children. Each year 44,000 facial bites are reported nationwide. Of these, 16,000 require plastic surgery. Despite the immense physical and psychological scars resulting from dog bites, the public seems largely unaware of the potentially serious problem that exists in their own backyard. Many people have been frightened by the media attention given to dog attacks, but most don't perceive their own dog to be a threat. Dogs may be "man's best friend," but they can, and will "bite the hand that feeds them."

 

Currently, the civil courts can be unforgiving when it comes to dog owners. A dog owner assumes full liability for the actions of the pet. According to insurance industry estimates, $1 billion in dog bite liability claims were paid in 1994. In the case of child-victims, provocation is of little value as a defense. Children are by nature provocative, activities such as taunting, throwing objects, pulling tails, and running though yards are to be accepted as reasonable
behavior, and in fact should be expected.

 

The tragic side of this issue, is that 99% of the bites that occur are preventable. This is not a dog problem. It is a people problem. The major cause of dog bites is negligence on the part of the dog owner. Most bites occur while the dog is leashed, fenced, chained, or indoors, with nearly on half of all bites occurring on the street, sidewalk, or alley adjacent to the dog owner's property.

 

 

Over the years, the media has centered its attention on two breeds, the pit bull terrier and the Rottweiler. While it is true that these breeds can be aggressive, statistics show that the best predictor of whether a dog will bite is if it is neutered. An unsterilized dog is three times more likely to bite than a neutered one. The other telling factor is how well trained and how well socialized the dog is. Since large dogs are capable of jaw pressures ranging from 200 to 450 pounds per square inch, it is critical that they are properly trained and socialized.

 

An increasing number of people are buying dogs as weapons. Responding to fears and the threat of crime, people buy dogs for protection, rather than companionship. Unfortunately, having this type of animal in the home is likely to do more harm than good. In a CDC study of 150 fatal dog attacks, only one was against a burglar. Add to this the fact that most dogs can be rendered defenseless with items available in your local grocery store. It is easy to see the flaw in this line of thinking. Most victims of dog attacks are the elderly, children under 10, and utility and postal workers who have a right to be on your property.

 

In response to the increasing number of dog bites, many States have enacted legislation which bans or imposes restrictions on those dogs determined to be dangerous. Minnesota is included among those States that have such laws.

 

Minnesota State Statute 347.50 was enacted to provide communities with a tool to regulate the keeping of dogs that have been declared "Dangerous" as a result of aggressive acts. The Statute imposes criminal penalties upon those who fail to comply with the requirements of the statute.

One of the myths held by most dog owners is that all dogs are allowed a free bite. The provisions of the statute allow a dog to be declared "Dangerous" after only one incident, if by definition, the attack results in substantial bodily harm. Another commonly held belief is that a bite must occur for a dog to be declared "Dangerous." The statute allows for a dog which behaves aggressively, and approaches a person in an "apparent attitude of attack," to be declared "Dangerous" without ever having bitten anyone.

 

The requirements imposed upon dog owners by State statute 347.50, are stiff. Insurance requirements, and containment regulations can be expensive, and stressful for both family members and animals.

 

The City of Brooklyn Park rigorously enforces the "Dangerous Dog Statute." In the interest of promoting a safe environment in which our citizens can work and play, all dog bites are dealt with in strict accordance with State statute 347.50. If a dog owner feels that the actions of the Police Department are unfounded, he or she may pursue the matter through the Hennepin County Court system. Any practicing attorney should be able to provide advice on how to proceed with such an action. are unfounded, he or she may pursue the matter through the Hennepin County Court system. Any practicing attorney should be able to provide advice on how to proceed with such an action.

The City of Brooklyn Park strongly recommends that you attend obedience training with your dog. The best way to avoid a tragedy, is to prevent the situation from existing in the first place.

 

 

Section 415 of the Brooklyn Park city codes regulate Animal Control. This section contains the requirements related to law enforcement response to animal bite incidents. In simple language, the code allows for one of two responses to an animal bite. The animal may be euthanized and tested for rabies, or it may be quarantined for a period of ten days to observe the animal's behavior. regulate Animal Control. This section contains the requirements related to law enforcement response to animal bite incidents. In simple language, the code allows for one of two responses to an animal bite. The animal may be euthanized and tested for rabies, or it may be quarantined for a period of ten days to observe the animal's behavior.

Because the city and the Police Department do not feel euthanasia is an appropriate response to every bite situation, quarantine is the preferred method of resolving the incident to the satisfaction of the law.

 

When an animal is involved in a bite, the law requires that the animal be quarantined at the city facility, Pets Under Police Security (P.U.P.S.). This quarantine is, by law, at the expense of the animal owner. The only exceptions to the quarantine rule are animals in compliance with all other ordinances, nursing mother animals and animals with specific medical needs. In such cases, it will be the determination of the animal control authority as to how the quarantine will be executed. (P.U.P.S.). This quarantine is, by law, at the expense of the animal owner. The only exceptions to the quarantine rule are animals in compliance with all other ordinances, nursing mother animals and animals with specific medical needs. In such cases, it will be the determination of the animal control authority as to how the quarantine will be executed.

When an animal is quarantined at P.U.P.S., it is observed on the first day by a licensed veterinarian contracted by the facility. During the next eight days a record of observations is kept by the facility staff. On the tenth day the Veterinarian returns and makes a determination as to whether, in his opinion, the animal was capable of transmitting rabies at the time of the bite. If at any time during the quarantine the animal displays behaviors consistent with rabies, it will be euthanized for conclusive testing.

 

The length of the quarantine is ten complete days, which means that an animal impounded on the 1st, will not be eligible for release until the 11th.

 

 

During the ten days the animal will be fed Science Diet pet food. If your animal has specific dietary needs, you may provide your own food. This will not reduce the cost of the impoundment.

You may provide toys or blankets for your animal during quarantine. P.U.P.S. may refuse any item they feel is inappropriate or may present a threat to the levels of sanitation maintained at the facility.

 

Visitations are allowed, and may be arranged through P.U.P.S. Some animals may not be removed from the cage or kennel, at the discretion of the facility staff. This visitation is a privilege, not a right. Any misconduct at the facility, will result in revocation of visitation privileges, and may result in arrest. P.U.P.S. May refuse a visitation at any time for any reason.

Prior to the 10th day, you can make arrangements to pay the fees due by contacting Brooklyn Park city hall at 763-493-8182. You will need to provide proof of rabies vaccination and spay or neuter at the time fees are paid. If your animal is due for rabies shots, an additional deposit will be charged and held until proof is presented.

 

The City of Brooklyn Park is aware of the stress animal quarantines cause. We do our best to mitigate the stress in any way we can. However, we have a duty to the victims of animal bites to insure that the animal involved in the bite, is not rabid. For that reason, we must place the rights of the victim before the rights of the animal owner.

 

If you should decide that euthanasia and testing is the best choice for your personal situation, you should contact the Community Services Unit at the Police Department at your earliest convenience. The phone number is 493-8218. There will be fees involved and waivers that will require your signature. at the Police Department at your earliest convenience. The phone number is 493-8218. There will be fees involved and waivers that will require your signature.

There are those who believe that the city over reacts to animal bites. But rabies, once contracted, is fatal 100% of the time. Timely treatment for the victim is imperative, and truly a matter of life and death.

 

Although rabies vaccinations have greatly reduced the incidents of rabies in the United States, even the vaccinated animal may contract rabies. In light of these facts, the City of Brooklyn Park believes that no measure is too great to protect the life of even one victim.

 

If you have any questions, please contact CSO L. Kimsey, Community Services Coordinator at 763-493-8218 or 763-493-8362 (voicemail) or contact the Police Department..

 

Pets Under Police Security (P.U.P.S.), a joint powers organization of seven communities, is operating an animal containment facility at 11350 - 89th Avenue North in Maple Grove. Phone number 763-424-5257. The facility has a total of 4,650 square feet and consists of a small lobby with office space, kennels and a service area.

 

 

The facility will house and care for animals impounded by the member police departments, and will be under the direct control of the member communities. The member communities are Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Crystal, Maple Grove, New Hope and Plymouth.

This modern facility incorporates the latest in kennel design and techniques in the care of animals, but will not provide veterinary services. The facility is staffed with city employees who are specially trained in the care of small animals.

 

The member cities joined to construct this animal impound facility due to a need arising from a lack of available facilities. Costs will be prorated according to the size of the city and projected use.

 

The size of the facility was determined by totaling animal impounds for each of the cities from 1985 through 1989. Calculations of monthly averages of animal impounds for all cities combined were then determined. The monthly average figures combined with average length of stay per animal impounded helped to determine maximum and minimum kennel numbers needed to operate an animal impound facility of all the cities.

 

Administrative costs are equally split among the members. Costs include utilities, refuse, telephone, and miscellaneous supplies. Administrative costs are costs to operate the facility with or without animals.

 

Animal costs, directly related to the care of the animals, are to be split by actual impound use. Animal costs consist of food, water, personnel, etc.

Any revenues collected from impound fees or licensing will be set and monitored by each city. Currently, each city sets and collects their own fees from impounding of animals.