![]() ![]() This will give you an opportunity to let the appropriate agency know that you have the animal and to provide a description to them, in case the owner contacts them. ![]() If you decide to try to find the owner yourself, be sure to contact your local animal shelter or animal control office first. Keep any identification, such as collar or tags. You can usually place a free "found" ad in your local newspaper or on sites like Craigslist. If you plan to keep the animal in the event no owner is found, notify animal control that you have the animal or that you have taken them to a veterinary hospital for treatment. If you are able to transport the animal, take them to the nearest animal shelter. Make sure you report to authorities precisely where the animal is by using road names, mile markers or landmarks. If possible, stay on the scene to keep an eye on the dog or cat until help arrives. Leave your phone number with the dispatcher, and try to get an estimate of how long it may take someone to respond. Do so whether or not the animal is injured, and whether or not they are wearing an identification tag. If you're not able to safely restrain the animal, call the local animal control agency (in rural areas, call the police). Cats may do the same, as well as lodge themselves under the car seat, and it can be dangerous trying to extract them. In most cases it isn't a good idea to attempt to drive somewhere with a strange dog unrestrained in your car they may become frantic or aggressive. ![]() If you are certain you can get help from animal control very soon, try to lure the animal into your car with food, close the door and wait for help. Make sure they can see you at all times as you approach, and perhaps entice them to come to you by offering strong-smelling food such as canned tuna or dried liver. When moving toward the animal, speak calmly to reassure them. Should you succeed in getting close enough to capture them, you stand a good chance of being scratched or bitten. Signal approaching vehicles to slow down if you cannot confine the animal, or divert traffic around them if they appear to be injured and is still on the roadway. Create a barrier or use a carrier, leash, piece of cloth, or length of rope to keep the animal in the area. If the animal looks or acts threatening, or if you feel uneasy about the situation, stay in your car. A sudden move on your part, even opening your car door, can spook them and cause them to bolt-possibly right onto the highway. Catch them safely Safety firstĪ strange, frightened, and possibly sick or injured animal can behave unpredictably. If you have emergency flares, prepare to use them. Look in your rear-view mirror before braking, turn on your signal, pull your car completely off the road, turn off the ignition, set the parking brake, and put on the hazard lights. You can't help an animal if you become injured in the process. After all, what if your own pet were standing there? Use our guidelines for providing safe and effective help. This is a wrenching scenario for all who care about animals. With a sinking feeling, you realize they are alone. You're driving your car when you see a dog on the side of the road. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |