Changes in dog attack procedures

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The injuries are continuing to heal for 9-year-old Josie Loveless and her sister, 15-year-old Hannah.

NewsChannel 18 was the first to report the story of the Lovelesses who were injured in a vicious dog attack in May and their mother Denice's petition drive when the owner of the dogs wasn't immediately punished.  

"I felt ignored," said Denice.

It's something that Animal Control Director Lt. Brad Bishop said shouldn't happen again with a more aggressive approach by animal control officers.
    
"In most cases, first bites, if a dog bites another animal or human being, or attacks another animal, these dangerous dog agreements are being issued every single time," Bishop said.

It's something that wasn't immediately done in Loveless' case, but was done later.

Bishop said standard operating procedures have been created for animal control officers that include a guide for handling dog attacks.  Officers also received training on using a reporting and documentation system that is similar to the one used by the police department.  Each officer now has a digital camera to take pictures of all injuries after an attack.

"That's wonderful, that's great," Denice said.

It already seems to be paying off.

Of the 36 reports of dog bites in Lafayette in the first six months of 2012, 16 were taken just in June, or, since the new guidelines were put into effect.

"The follow-up is the big thing," Bishop said.

The animal control supervisor's job description has been redefined.  Bishop hopes the supervisor can now spend 50 to 75 percent of his time following up on dog attacks.  But that may not be easy with all the other tasks the supervisor has.

"Right now, it's going to be hard," Bishop said.  "If we can add a fourth person, then he would be freed up, but we'll get it done."

Getting it done and being responsive, Denise said it's a good start.

"I certainly hope so, we have their attention now," she said.  "I'm just glad things are being done now."

Summer time is the busiest time for animal control.  Last year, officers had 4,612 calls for service.  More than 2,600 came between April and September, a rate of almost 15 a day.