Safety

Safety Around Animals

To avoid being bitten, remember some basic hints. And parents, remind your children!

  • Be a tree! Stand still. Cross your hands in front of your chest. Don't run or yell.
  • Don't stare right at a dog who comes up to you. Watch him out of the corner of your eye.
  • If a dog chases you, stop. Don't scream. Cross your hands in front of your chest. Then walk away slowly backwards.
  • If a dog chases you on your bike, stop, get off your bike, and put your bike between you and the dog.
  • Be careful going up to dogs you don't know. Not all dogs are friendly.
  • If you have permission to pet someone else's dog, don't run up to the dog or grab the dog. Walk up slowly and quietly and let the dog sniff your hand first. Then pet the dog gently under the chin.
  • Don't treat a strange dog like your own - your own dog may permit you to do things that frighten or anger a dog who doesn't know you.
  • Don't play rough with any dog.
  • If a dog growls at you, or if it moves away, don't chase after it.
  • Don't frighten or startle a dog, especially when it's sleeping.
  • Don't try to take a toy or food away from a dog.
  • Don't try to pet a dog through a fence, car window, or cage.
  • Don't try to punish a dog. Never hit at one.
  • Remember that sometimes cats bite and scratch.

Animal Cruelty

What to Do if You See or Suspect Cruelty

Cruelty to animals is a serious matter! In addition to moral concerns, there is a disturbing link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans.

In the case of cruelty or abuse, the appropriate animal services, animal control, or law enforcement agency should be called. In Fayetteville, this would be Fayetteville Animal Services (444-3456). Many cities have their own animal services or animal control. Washington County now has an animal control officer who can be reached through the sheriff's office.

It is important to note that Animal Services officers are unable to take action unless they actually witness the cruelty or abuse. If it is something that an individual has seen, that individual must be willing to file charges, giving his/her name and address as complainant. Fayetteville Animal Services do not give out the names of complainants, but an accused abuser may get the name of the accuser by filing under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.