WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BITTEN BY A DOG

Step 1: Immediate Medical & First Aid Response 

• Administer First Aid: Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound to help control bleeding. If possible, elevate the affected area.
• Wash the Wound: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible, especially if medical care is not immediately available.
• Seek Medical Care: Visit a clinic or hospital as soon as possible, even if the injury appears minor. Prompt medical care is important to prevent infection and assess any potential health risks. 

Step 2: Reporting the Incident 

Reporting dog bites ensures community safety and allows officers to track potential health risks.    

During Regular Hours: Call the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) at 613-575-2340 

After-Hours/Emergencies: For immediate safety threats or after-hours incidents, please call Central Dispatch at 613-575-2000 

Provide Critical Details: When making a report, be prepared to share: 

• The time and exact location of the incident
• The names of the reporting person and injured individual(s), if known
• A description of the dog (breed, size, colour, markings, and behaviour)
• The name and address of the dog owner, if known
• A photo of the dog, if available, to assist with identification 

After-hours reports will be responded to by AMPS in coordination with the Compliance Department. 

Step 3: Follow-Up & Investigation 

Once a report is received, it will be reviewed and followed up on in a timely manner. 

• Investigation: Compliance Officers will review and respond to reported incidents as soon as possible.
• Dog Quarantine: Under Section 4A of the Emergency Interim Dog Control Regulation, any dog not under its owner's control that bites a person shall be quarantined for up to 10 days. The Compliance Department will contact the owner to verify up-to-date rabies vaccination records and visually monitor the dog for signs of the virus (such as increased salivation, irritability, or aggressiveness).
• Rabies Testing: If a dog exhibits symptoms of rabies, it must be humanely euthanized so tissue samples can be sent to a laboratory for testing. The MCA Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will oversee this process.
• Enforcement & Tickets: If the owner violated local laws by failing to secure their dog, the Compliance Officer can issue a written warning or an official ticket. For "Improper Care of a Dog" (such as a lack of vaccination records) or letting an aggressive dog roam unsupervised, fines range from $50 up to $1,000, or a term of imprisonment of up to 30 days. 

Step 4: Compensation for Damages 

Dog owners are legally and financially liable for any injury or property damage their animal causes while not under control. 

• Documenting Expenses: Individuals are encouraged to provide a detailed list of medical expenses, lost time, or property damage to the Compliance Department.
• Reimbursement: The Compliance Officer may facilitate communication between the affected parties regarding possible reimbursement. 
• Akwesasne Court: If the owner refuses to pay, or if the damages are significant, a ticket will be issued, and matters may be referred to the Akwesasne Mohawk Court for resolution and potential recovery of damages.