Children & Animals
Dogs and cats can be great companions for kids, but it is important to teach children to be safe around animals. Bites and scratches by dogs or cats can be caused by the family pet or by stray animals. The results of an animal attack can be serious and traumatic. Disfiguring injury, infection, the threat of rabies, and a fear of animals are all possible when a child is bitten or scratched by an animal. Local emergency room data shows there were 1,721 reports of bites/stings in 2003 to children in Mecklenburg County.  One death occurred that year due to a dog bite.

Animal Quick Facts

NC & Local Animal Safety Laws/Ordinances

Dog Bite Prevention

Snake Bite Prevention

Local Programs and Resources