Information

Current Rabies Cases

Updated June 10, 2021

Rabies

Rabies Prevention Begins With YOU

  What can you do?

• Vaccinate your pet.
• Maintain control of your pets to reduce their exposure to wildlife.
• Spay or neuter to decrease the number of stray animals.
• Report any stray or ill animals to animal control (410) 749-1070.
• Report all animal bites and scratches: (410) 546-4446 during business hours or (410) 543-6996 after hours.

How can dog bites be prevented?

Before you bring a dog into your household:

• Consult with a professional to learn what breeds of dogs are the best fit for your household.
• Dogs with histories of aggression are not suitable for households with children.

If you decide to bring a dog into your home:

• Spay/neuter your dog (this often reduces aggressive tendencies).
• Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
• Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
• Properly socialize and train any dog entering your household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors.
• Immediately seek professional advice if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.

Safety tips for children:

•  Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not run from a dog or scream. Remain motionless (e.g., “be still like a tree”) when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”).
• Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.