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Editor: Jeffrey Harlan Penneys, Esq.
Profession: Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorney

Barking Dogs

Category: General Information

The most common complaint about dogs is barking. Barking dogs cause all sorts of problems in any neighborhoods, and is a constant complaint to local city officials who get these :nuisance complaints all the time. The good news for neighbors is that usually problems can be resolved without resorting to legal means, through informal negotiation or mediation. And if that fails, there is almost always a law against dogs that make a nuisance of themselves by barking, howling, or whining.

If you can't get these laws enforced to your satisfaction, you can sue the dog owner to get the nuisance stopped and to recover money damages. Lawsuits are especially undesirable when the other party is a neighbor - after all, you'll still be next door to each other, which means that both parties lose.

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How to Reduce the Risk of Being Bitten/Attacked by a Dog

Category: General Information

There are several ways to help reduce the risk of a dog bite:

If confronted by a dog trying to sniff you, stand still and do not try to run away. Most dogs will leave after determining that you are not a threat.
Do not approach a dog you do not know, or one that is injured.
Never interfere with a dog that is caring for its puppies.
Avoid direct eye contact with stray or strange dogs.
Never tease, taunt, or startle any dog.
Do not disturb a dog while it is eating or drinking.
Always get a dog owner's permission before petting his or her dog.
Be very mindful of your children around all dogs, including family pets. Most dog bites occur to children.
Do not pet a stray dog or one that you're not familiar with.
Never try to separate dogs that are fighting, even if one of them is your dog.
If a dog does attack, put anything like your jacket, purse, bicycle, etc. that you can put between yourself and the dog.
If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Do not yell or roll around.
Always report a dog bite to Pennsylvania law enforcement and animal control.
Despite the best preventive measures, dog bites do occur in Pennsylvania. If you or a child are bitten, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

How to Avoid Dog Bites to Children

Just as we teach our children to practice safety in other situations, we can teach them to be safe around dogs. The following rules will help to prevent your child from being bit by a dog:

Children should never be alone with a dog.
Treat all dogs as potentially dangerous, unless supervised by an adult.
Never approach a restrained or confined dog.
Never disturb a sleeping dog.
Never approach a barking dog, even if he is wagging his tail.
Never take a toy or food from a dog.
Never discipline a dog by hitting it.

What is rabies and what should you do if bitten?

Category: General Information

What is rabies? Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system. It results in paralysis and almost certain death once the symptoms appear. Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 8 weeks after being infected.

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