ADPH officials share tips to avoid dog attacks after 2 deadly ones take place in Alabama

ALABAMA (WHNT) — The Alabama Department of Public Health is sharing how residents can protect themselves after a series of dog attacks in the state.

APDH said Friday that after a series of deadly dog attacks in central Alabama, it is advising caution around all animals due to the risk of scratches and potential disease transmission.

Our sister station, CBS 42, reported that 50-year-old Delores Musgrove died from wounds sustained in an attack by multiple dogs in Bessemer last week.

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society also said a man is in critical condition after a dog attack on Wednesday night at a Walker County trailer park. GBHS said animal control officers encountered 40 dogs in the area of the attack. T

Witnesses said the man had been feeding stray dogs.

“Our hearts are with this man and his family,” GBHS CEO Allison Black Cornelius said. “But our hearts are also furious. This should never happen. And until Alabama passes comprehensive leash laws, bans inhumane tethering, and holds negligent pet owners accountable, it will keep happening.”

State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee Jones said that the recent attacks are a reminder of the need for responsible pet care.

“These tragic deaths are a reminder that proper animal ownership includes confining your animals appropriately and addressing any vicious-animal issues with a veterinarian before attacks occur,” Jones said. “This is a very difficult conversation to have because most people love dogs; in fact, they are usually treated like members of our families.”

ADPH said to avoid dog bites, people should not disturb a dog while it is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies. The health agency said you should not pet a dog if it appears to be hiding or seeking time alone, and should not approach unfamiliar dogs even if they appear friendly.

ADPH said if you see a dog in trouble or running loose, you should call your local animal control agency.

The department said if a dog knocks you over, you should curl into a ball, tuck your head, and place your hands over your ears and neck. You can also put a bag or jacket between you and the dog.

ADPH said to also avoid the following actions:

• Never encourage your dog to play aggressively or roughhouse.
• Do not panic or make loud noises, and never run from a dog.
• Avoid trying to break up dog fights.

The department said that you should also not let children play with dogs without supervision.

If you or someone you know is bitten by a dog, ADPH said you should do the following:

• For minor wounds
  • Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Apply an antibiotic cream.
  • Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
• For deep wounds
  • Apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding for deep wounds. Seek medical attention right away. Call 911 or your local emergency medical services immediately if you cannot stop the bleeding or you feel faint or weak.
  • See if a healthcare provider if:
    • The wound is serious or deep.
    • The wound becomes infected.
    • You don’t know if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies.
    • If it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot.
    • The bite is deep.

GBHS said it is also important to report strays and not feed them, as it may lead to an escalation of dangerous behavior.

“We know people feed stray dogs because they care,” Cornelius, the GBHS CEO, said. “But we must educate the public that feeding groups of unconfined, unfamiliar dogs — even with good intentions — can be dangerous. When food is introduced into a pack that may change weekly, it can trigger aggression, competition, and sometimes attacks — even toward the person feeding them.”