ANIMAL ATTACKS
In an urban environment, people are our biggest threat – their intelligence to overcome challenges and obstacles, reaffirms their dominance over other land, sea, and aerial creatures. However, they are not the only threat in an urban setting. Depending where you live, work, or travel, you may encounter creatures that bring fear and pain that no human can. Animals, when alerted, stressed, or feel they are being invaded, can and will attack with unadulterated aggression. Animals such as dogs, cats, bats, rats, snakes, alligators, spiders, tigers, chimps, mosquitos, scorpions, and even birds are just some of the unfriendly wildlife you will encounter in your own backyard, or while vacationing elsewhere.
Among the varying types of animal attacks, dogs however, remain the biggest threat to urban dwellers. While domestics dogs should be reliable, older dogs can become agitated, bitches can become aggressive when protecting their litter, and some breeds were born to be territorial. Owners of dogs are their to provide warmth and love to these domestic pets, and in return, our pets provide loyalty and security. But just like any other animal, even the most trained and domesticated dog can snap. Even the owner is at risk! If you are around a dog, you will need to learn how to defend yourself should you ever be seen as a threat or a snack to “Man’s Best Friend.”
Attacked by a dog
If you are or feel like you are going to be attacked by a dog, you should take these actions to increase your survival. Many of these tactics used against dog attacks can be used for other animal attacks.
- Avoid eye contact with any vicious animal – especially a dog. Making eye contact with an animal provokes them to be more on alert, and aggressive.
- Stand still – speak firmly (as if you were the owner) using clear commands like “Sit!’ or “No!” Speak loudly but do NOT shout.
- If the dog listens to your commands, shift to using a softer, gentle voice as if you were rewarding them for their “good boy” behavior.
- If a small dog goes for your ankles, a soft kick may deter it. Do not roundhouse kick a small dog in the face! This will send the poor pup flying back a few feet. That would then be animal abuse.
- Keep track of the dogs body language. If you see them squatting as if they are getting ready to pounce, protect your most vulnerable areas (throat, face, groin, stomach, thigh, wrists, etc.) with a well-padded forearm or shin. Wearing denim jeans or a leather jacket will provide that extra padded layer of protection that when the dog does bite, they will latch on the the appendage, allowing you to punch them hard in the nose or eyes. You can also grab their ears and twist or yank them.
- If running or jogging and a dog chases you, STOP! Keep your eyes and head forward toward the direction of the dog. Walk away from the dog. Once you are away from the dog’s territorial “circle” you can pick up a jog. Be mindful to check your rear for those stubborn dogs that won’t quit.
- You may also drop an article of clothing for dogs that give chase. they may stop to sniff the article of clothing, and may stop altogether.
- If you own a dog, keep it under control. You will be responsible for not doing enough should your pet attack another person. The dog will be put to sleep and you will pay a hefty fine and may serve some jail time.
- Lastly, if you are being chased or attacked by two or more dogs, get ready to fight for your life. In this scenario, everything goes. YOU ARE TRYING TO SURVIVE, NOT BECOME DINNER FOR ROVER!
WARNING
Rabies (hydrophobia) is still common in many parts of the world, although Britain and Australia have more or less eradicated it (except in bats). The dog or other animal affected may be wild-eyed and foaming at the mouth – but it may not. If you get a large amount of saliva on the skin – or the skin is broken – seek medical attention immediately! It would help if you could identify the animal as rabies is a horrific and often fatal illness which affects the brain. If bitten, anti-tetanus injections may also be required. Learn more about Rabies by clicking here.
