North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Silvia Lugo, a recent North Carolina resident, now living in Elgin, IL, has been fined $2,200 by the City of Elgin and her two pitbulls have been declared "dangerous dogs."

Lugo's dogs became loose and chased a man lawfully walking his dog. That man happened to be Elgin mayor, Ed Schock. The animal control law in Elgin allows for a dog to be declared dangerous even if it doesn't bite anyone. The law also allows owners to be fined $1,000 if a dog is declared dangerous, and another $100 if the owner cannot immediately provide proof of a current rabies vaccine. In addition to the $1,100 per dog fine that was issued to Lugo, she is also required to obtain a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance, register her dogs, muzzle the dogs when outside, and have them microchipped.

In North Carolina, a "dangerous dog" is one who has killed or severely injured a person without provocation, or has been declared a dangerous dog by the county. Once a dog in North Carolina has been declared a dangerous dog, the owner of the dog is strictly liable for any injuries to person or property inflicted by his dog. In Mecklenburg County, the owner of a dangerous dog may be required to contain the animal in a secure fence, purchase liability insurance, install warning signs on property, muzzle the dog when off property, and tattoo the dog to identify it as dangerous.

Our North Carolina dog bite attorneys are available to provide a free consultation for victims of dog bites.

Our Charlotte, North Carolina dog bite attorneys want to remind you of the dangers of contracting the rabies virus, whether by being bitten by a wild animal or even your own dog or cat. It is important to keep your pets rabies vaccination current, and never try to pick up a wild animal, no matter how adorable it might be.

Brunswick County, NC just reported its third confirmed case of rabies for this year. Animal Control reports that a kitten in Calabash was attacked and killed by a rabid raccoon. Three other cats that had come into contact with that same raccoon had to be euthanized as they lacked valid rabies vaccines. A dog in Calabash was also euthanized the same day after being bitten by a rabid fox which has not yet been caught.

Signs & Symptoms of Rabies

Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous symptoms, and, without prompt treatment, is always fatal. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the initial symptoms are much like flu symptoms-irritability, headache, fever, and fatigue. As the disease progresses and the brain begins to swell, more severe symptoms develop, including delirium, seizures, paralysis, and, ultimately, death.

Treatment

Immediately after being bitten by any animal, it is important to thoroughly cleanse the area with soap and water. After the bite has been cleansed, seek medical attention. Your medical provider, in conjunction with your local animal control or health department, will determine whether you will need a rabies vaccination.

Contrary to popular belief, postexposure rabies treatment does not consist of a series of injections into the stomach. Rather, one injection of immune globulin is administered in the arm, followed by four doses of the rabies vaccine, in the arm, over a two week period.