Animal Bites
Reminder: It is a violation of West Windsor Township ordinances to allow your dog to run “at large” in public.
Allowing your dog to run “at large” on private property is also prohibited unless the property owner gives you permission.
All bites (including cats) must be reported to the West WIndsor Township Health Department within twelve (12) hours of the incident.
If Your Dog Bites Someone:
- Immediately restrain your dog.
- Do not leave the scene without providing the victim your name, address, and telephone number, as well as the name of your dog, a description of your dog, and your dog’s license number.
- Animal Control officials must be able to verify the vaccination status of your dog. The bite victim may have to undergo unnecessary “post-exposure rabies prophylaxis” if the rabies vaccination status of your dog cannot be verified.
- If your dog has a current license (i.e. current rabies vaccine), your dog will be confined at your home for a rabies observation period of ten (10) days.
- If your dog is healthy at the end of the quarantine period, an Animal Control Officer or authorized member of the Health Department will release your dog
- You must keep your dog on a leash at all times when outside (even in your yard) during their ten (10) day quarantine period.
If You Are Bitten by a Dog:
- Obtain the name, address, and telephone number of the dog owner, as well as the name of the dog, description of the dog involved, and dog license number.
- Clean wound(s) out immediately with warm water and soap. Open cuts or scratches should also be washed off immediately.
- Seek medical attention from your doctor or go to the emergency room.
- Call Animal Control/Police dispatcher immediately so that an investigation can be initiated to find out if the dog(s) are currently licensed by the Township.
- The dog that bit you will be closely monitored by Animal Control for rabies and/or illness and you will be informed upon the dog’s release from quarantine whether it is healthy, ill, or has been euthanized.