Reporting an Animal Bite

Both Arizona Revised Statues (A.R.S. 11-1014) and City Ordinance (130-099) require anyone with direct knowledge of an animal biting a human to report the bite immediately to an Animal Enforcement Agent.

In accordance with Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S. §11-1014), an unvaccinated animal that bites any person shall be confined and quarantined in a county pound or, on the request of, and at the expense of the owner, at a veterinary hospital for a period of not less than ten days. The quarantine period shall start on the day of the bite incident. If the day of the bite is not known, the quarantine period shall start on the first day of impoundment. At the end of ten days, the owner can take the animal home after paying the quarantine impound fees.

ARS §11-1014 makes exceptions. If your animal is properly vaccinated, the animal can be, in certain cases, quarantined at home, after signing and adhering to the requirements of the home quarantine agreement. At the end of the quarantine period, the animal must be inspected in order to be released from quarantine.

To report an animal bite, contact the City of Yuma Animal Control Services Unit at (928) 373-4795 Option 2.

Avoiding or Preventing an Animal Bite

Animal bites are common injuries and dogs are responsible for approximately 80% of the bites treated in the emergency room. Dogs are very territorial and your dog may consider visitors to be infringing on its territory. Keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room or on a leash. A dog's natural instinct is to protect its family, especially the children. If you have visitors in your house, their actions towards your children could be considered threatening to your dog. Make sure the dog becomes comfortable with your house guest first. Spay or neuter your dog. A spayed or neutered dog is less likely to bite someone. Obedience training can teach your dog proper behavior and help you control your dog in many situations.

The City of Yuma offers several other tips for avoiding animal bites. These tips include:

• Avoid unfamiliar animals and realize that any animal may bite when they are frightened, ill or injured
• If a dog appears to be attacking, don't run or yell. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch its prey
• Stand still and cross your hands in front of your chest. Then walk away slowly backwards
• Don't stare right at a dog that comes up to you. Watch him out of the corner of your eye
• Don't try to pet a dog through a fence, car window or cage
• Always let a dog see and sniff you before you pet the animal

Wild Animals

From time to time, wild animals such as coyotes or skunks may wander into residential areas. The animals may be dangerous and could cause some destruction and injury, especially if they are rabid.

The most effective protection from wild animals is barriers and discouragement:

• Remove the elements that attracts them to your property
• Feed pets indoors if possible and take up outdoor dishes and leftovers as soon as possible
• Keep trash cans in the garage or utility room until trash pickup day
• Fence your garden
• Vaccinate your pets

For other tips, or for assistance with removing a wild animal from your property, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (928) 342-0091

What About Rabies?

Rabies is a potentially fatal disease caused by a virus carried by animals infected with the disease. The most common carriers of rabies are wild animals such as squirrels, raccoons, coyotes and especially bats and skunks. These animals can infect a household pet which could then pass it on to people or other animals. Care should be taken to avoid situations that place your pet in contact with wild animals.

All dogs and cats over 3 months of age are required to be vaccinated against rabies. There are still animals, of course, that have not been vaccinated, so adults should caution children to use care when around strange animals.

The Humane Society of Yuma offers clinics to vaccinate pets. For more information on pet vaccinations, contact the Humane Society of Yuma at (928) 782-1621 or your local veterinarian.

Reporting a Stray Dog

City of Yuma ordinance § 130-003 forbids a dog to be at large.

Dogs may not be tied on public property unless supervised. Dogs roaming free are in violation of this ordinance and are subject to impoundment by the City of Yuma Animal Control Services Unit. This ordinance applies to all City parks unless otherwise posted. Owners of dogs at large may receive a citation and/or a fine.

To report a dog at large, contact the City of Yuma Animal Control Services Unit at (928) 373-4795 Option 2.

Report a Lost or Found Pets

If you have lost a pet or have found one running loose, there are several steps that should be taken for the safety of the animal as well as the public. An animal running free is in danger. It could be hit by a car, or eat discarded and potentially dangerous foods or trash. Loose pets can also scatter garbage and cause damage to private property.

Pet owners are liable for their pet's actions. You can prevent your pet from causing injury or damage only if they are confined to your property and controlled as required by law. Failure to do so is a violation of City of Yuma law and could result in fines and/or impounding of the animal.

The City of Yuma encourages the use of microchips. Not only is it a useful tool in returning a stray pet to its owner, it is an important method to prove ownership if the animal is stolen since it cannot be removed like a collar and tags.

To report a lost or found animal, contact the City of Yuma Animal Control Services Unit at (928) 373-4795 Option 2. When reporting, provide a description of the animal along with any identification it is wearing.

Reporting Animal Abuse and Cruelty

The City of Yuma encourages citizens who own pets to be familiar with proper care instructions for their animals.

In general owners or keepers of pets are required to provide their pets with the following amenities:

• Adequate food and water
• Adequate shelter
• Adequate space in the primary enclosure based on the particular type of animal, age of animal, size of animal, and weight of animal
• Veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering, assure humane care or administer treatment

In addition, always seek the advice and follow the instructions of your veterinarian and local pet center.

For more information regarding animal care, contact the Humane Society of Yuma at (928) 782-1621.

Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S. 2910) makes It illegal to beat or needlessly kill an animal, or to treat an animal in an inhumane manner. Such abuses are punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

The law also requires that animals left outside be provided adequate food, water and shelter.

Medical treatment is also required when necessary so that animals do not suffer.

To report instances of abuse or cruelty, contact the City of Yuma Animal Control Services Unit at (928) 373-4795 Option 2.

Report Animals that are Disturbing the Peace

The City of Yuma, Ordinance §130-005 and §130-051 covers noise complaints associated with the keeping of animals in the City Limits.

Barking dogs and other loud or bothersome animals bring frequent complaints to the City of Yuma Animal Control Services Unit, particularly in moderate weather when windows are open. Not only is it extremely inconsiderate to allow dogs to bark excessively or continuously, it is also against the law. Owners of barking dogs may be in violation of the City of Yuma's noise ordinance.

There are a few alternatives to address this problem. Since the reporting of an animal making excessive noise can strain relationships with neighbors, the City of Yuma Animal Control Services Unit takes a 4-step approach in dealing with the issue.

The 1st step is to leave a door hanger on the door of the animal owner. There are times when the animals make noise when the owner is away, and the owner may be unaware of the problem. The hanger informs the owner of the problem and gives them a chance to take corrective action. The hanger also has helpful hints on how to eliminate the noise disturbance.

If that is unsuccessful, An Animal Control Officer will attempt to make contact at the residence to discuss the issues and convey the importance of coming into compliance with the City of Yuma Ordinance.

The 3rd step is to provide the reporting party with a log to track the excessive noise. An attempt is made to contact the owner and advise him/her of the possibility of the case being sent to the City Prosecutor for prosecution.

The last step is for the Animal Control Officer to gather as much information as can be obtained and send the case to the City Prosecutor for review of charges for violation of the Ordinances.

To report a barking dog or other animals creating excessive noise, call the City of Yuma Animal Control Services Unit at (928) 373-4795 Option 2.

Urban Farm and Keeping Chickens

City of Yuma Ordinances allows you keep chickens under certain restrictions. (See City Ordinances § 130-070-130-076 “Keeping Poultry and Rodents”). Male poultry is only allowed if it is incapable of making vocal noises. There is an exception for those animals that are being used for a 4H project.

Reporting an Injured or Dead Animal

The City of Yuma Animal Control Services Unit is responsible for picking up injured, dead, or stray animals on public property within the City limits. In addition, Animal Control will pick up small animals on private property as long as the animal does not belong to the property owner and the owner is unknown.

If the animal belongs to the property owner, or the owner is known, the owner will be responsible for the removal of the animal. Yuma City Ordinance 190-17 forbids placing an unwrapped small dead animal in a refuse container.

To report an injured, dead, or stray animal, contact City of the Yuma Animal Control Services Unit at (928) 373-4795 Option 2.