DOCSLIB.ORG

Bites & Stings

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Bites & Stings Bites & Stings For Bites Signs & Symptoms n Less common, but more dangerous, are bites from skunks, raccoons, bats, and other n Swelling. Redness. Pain. Itching. animals that live in the wild. These animals n Bleeding. can have rabies – a serious viral infection. It can be fatal. Most house pets are n Tissue loss, if the wound is severe. vaccinated for rabies. It’s unlikely they carry n Skin rash. the virus. n Lockjaw. This is a painful, persistent n Mosquito bites can cause West Nile virus if stiffness of the jaw due to a toxin. Tetanus the mosquito is infected with it. shots can prevent this. (See Immunization n Snake bites can be fatal if the bite is from a Schedule at www.HealthyLearn.com.) poisonous snake (e.g., rattlesnakes, cotton n Allergic reaction, such as with insect bites. mouths, copperheads, and coral snakes). (See Signs & Symptoms of Allergies at n Shark bites are a potential problem when www.HealthyLearn.com.) swimming in shark-infested waters. Causes Treatment n Dog, cat, and human Self-care can be used for dog and cat bites that bites are the most cause scratches on the skin and for insect bites common animal bites that do not cause a severe allergic reaction. All in the U.S. human bites that break the skin should be checked n Deer tick bites can by a doctor due to the high risk for infection. cause Lyme disease, a A series of rabies shots can prevent the spread bacterial infection. Deer tick on scalp of rabies to humans. The shots should begin n Bed bug bites cause redness, swelling, and soon after a bite from an infected animal. large, red welts or raised areas on the skin. Antivenom can be given for poisonous snake n Black widow and brown recluse spider bites bites at emergency medical facilities. It should can cause severe reactions. be given within 4 hours of the bite. © American Institute for Preventive Medicine. All rights reserved. www.HealthyLife.com Emergencies & First Aid Bites & Stings, Continued For Stings Signs & Symptoms Treatment n Quick, sharp pain. Self-care treats mild reactions to stings. A severe allergic reaction needs immediate care. n Swelling, itching, and redness at the sting Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction usually site. These can occur beyond the sting site. happen soon after or within an hour of the sting. n Raised bump (with or without pus). n Signs of a severe allergic reaction . (See at Persons with a severe allergic reaction to a sting www.HealthyLearn.com.) in the past should carry an emergency kit, prescribed by a doctor. A medical alert tag Causes should be worn to let others know of the allergy. Persons who have had severe reactions to bee or n Insect stings. (See at wasp stings should ask their doctors about www.HealthyLearn.com.) allergy shots. n Marine animals that sting include jellyfish, Portuguese Man-of-War, and sea nettles. Questions to Ask Was the bite or sting from a poisonous Are any of these problems present? snake, spider, etc. or do any of these • Signs of a severe allergic reaction problems occur? listed at www.HealthyLearn.com. • Fainting. Feeling lightheaded. {Note: Before emergency care, use • Confusion. emergency kit as directed.} • Seizures. • Signs of shock . (See at • Feeling restless or dizzy. www.HealthyLearn.com.) • Breathing problems. • Painful cramps and muscle stiffness {Note: • The bite severely mangled the skin Give first and/or causes severe bleeding. in the abdomen, shoulders, chest, aid as {Note: See First Aid For Severe and/or back. needed. Bleeding at www.HealthyLearn.com.} • Fever. Chills. Heavy sweating. See on • Nausea. Vomiting. next page.} Was the bite from an animal that foams at the mouth or lives in the wild Was the bite over a joint and does it or from a pet that has not been cause painful movement? immunized against rabies? Flowchart continued on next page Flowchart continued in next column Emergency Conditions / First Aid Bites & Stings, Continued For Non-Poisonous Snake Do you have a fever, pus, or increased swelling and/or Bites redness 24 or more hours after the animal bite? n Gently wash the site with soap and water. n Treat the bite as a minor wound. (See For Minor Cuts and Scrapes at Self-Care / First Aid www.HealthyLearn. com.) For Poisonous Snake Bites Before Medical Care n Carefully move the person away from the snake. Calm the person. n If you notice signs of an Have him or her rest. Moving about can help spread the venom. infection, call your n doctor. Gently wash the bite area with soap and water. Keep the limb of the bite site level with the heart (or just below this). Apply a splint to the limb of the bite site to keep it from moving. For Poisonous Spider Bites Until Emergency n Being careful, note, if you can, the shape of the snakes eyes, pupils, Care Arrives and head, the colors it is, and if it has rattles. n Perform rescue n Don’t try to kill the snake, cut the fang mark, or suck out the venom. breathing, if needed. n (See “ Rescue Breath ” Don’t apply a tourniquet, a bandage, or ice to the bite. at www. For Poisonous Spider and Scorpion Bites Before Medical Care HealthyLearn.com.) n Do rescue breathing, if needed. n If you can, keep the n If you can, keep the bitten area lower than the level of the heart. bitten area lower than the level of the heart. n Calm the victim and keep him or her warm. n Calm the person and n Gently clean the site of the bite with soap and water or rubbing keep him or her warm. alcohol. n Gently clean the site of n Put an ice pack over the bite site to relieve pain. the bite with soap and n If you can, catch the spider in a closed container to show the doctor. water or rubbing alcohol. n Get emergency care! n Put an ice pack over the For Human Bites Before Medical Care bite site for pain relief. n Wash the wound area with soap and water for at least 5 minutes. n If you can, catch the Don’t scrub hard. Rinse with running water or with an antiseptic spider in a closed solution, such as Betadine. container to show what n Cover the wound area with sterile gauze. Tape only the ends of the kind it is. gauze in place. Then get medical care. Emergencies & First Aid Bites & Stings, Continued For a Stingray Bite n For Deer Tick Bites Remove the n Remove any ticks found on the skin. Use person from the tweezers to grasp the tick(s) as close to the water. skin as you can. Pull gently and carefully in a n Apply a local steady upward motion at the point where the pressure bandage tick’s mouthpart enters the skin. Try not to for a wound that crush the tick. The secretions released may bleeds a lot. Stingray. spread disease. n Immerse the wound area in hot water for 30 n After you remove the ticks, wash the wound to 90 minutes. Make sure the water is not hot area and your hands with soap and water. Apply enough to burn the skin. rubbing alcohol to help disinfect the area. n Scrub the wound area well with soap and water. n Use an ice pack over the bite area to relieve n Unless the wound is a slight one in only one pain. limb, get medical help right away. n Save one tick in a closed jar with rubbing alcohol to show the doctor. For Stings from Jellyfish or Sea Nettles, etc. n Remove the person from the water. Don’t For Dog and Cat Bites touch the sting area with bare hands. n Wash the bite area right away with soap and n warm water for 5 minutes. If the bite is deep, Rinse the sting area with salt (not fresh) water flush the wound with water for 10 minutes. right away. Don’t put ice on the skin. If you Dry the wound with a clean towel. Then get can, put vinegar or rubbing alcohol on the area medical care. several times for 30 or more minutes until the pain is relieved. n If the wound is swollen, apply ice wrapped in n a towel for 10 minutes. Apply dry or moist heat to the sting area until the pain subsides. You can mix one part n Get a tetanus shot, if needed. ammonia with 3 parts salt water and apply n If the bite hurts, take an over-the-counter this to the sting area. (OTC) medicine for pain. n Wear gloves when you remove stingers. Use a n Report the incident to the animal control towel to wipe the stingers or the tentacles off. department. If a pet’s immunizations are not Use tweezers to lift large tentacles. Don’t current, arrange with the animal control scrape or rub them. department for the pet to be observed for the n To relieve itching, apply OTC calamine lotion next 10 days to check for rabies. or 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected n Observe the wound for a few days. Look for area as directed on the label. signs of infection. Often, cat bite wounds n Contact your doctor for any signs of need an antibiotic. infection . (See at www.HealthyLearn.com.).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Animal Bites
    Updated 12/16/14/ INDEX ANIMAL BITES 3 BATS AND RABIES 6 CLASSROOM PETS- SALMONELLA 9 BED BUGS 11 HEAD LICE 13 SCABIES 15 WEST NILE VIRUS 17 APPENDICES 19 APPENDIX A: IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS APPENDIX B: REPORTABLE DISEASE LIST APPENDIX C: OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2 Updated 1/12/15 Return to Index Animal Bites Background: Most wild animals tend to avoid humans, but they can bite if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, are injured or ill, or if people attempt to approach or feed them. Although bites by wild animals can be more dangerous, bites by domestic animals are far more common. Animals’ saliva can be heavily populated with harmful bacteria and secondary infections of wounds often occur. In addition, animals can transmit zoonotic infections such as rabies (See: Bats and Rabies for more Rabies Information), tetanus, hantavirus, etc. Children are more likely to be bitten by animals and can sometimes sustain severe injuries because of their love of animals and inherent curiosity. In a school setting, bites most frequently involve classroom pets; however, bites can also occur from stray pets or wild animals on campus, especially bats, or an animal being brought to school by a student. Common Classroom Pets Rodents (hamsters, rats, gerbils, mice) Reptiles (lizards, snakes, turtles) Amphibians (frogs, toads) Rabbits Fish None of these caged animals pose any rabies risk. The likelihood of a cat or a dog being infected with rabies in Maricopa County is low- the last known rabid dog was documented in 1978. However, if any animal is displaying the possible neurological signs of Rabies (See: Signs and Symptoms) it’s important to call the MCDPH 24/7 Rabies Hotline (602 747-7111) to receive a risk assessment.
    [Show full text]
  • Unit 3 Bites and Stings
    First Aid in Common and Environmental Emergencies UNIT 3 BITES AND STINGS Structure 3.0 Introduction 3.1 Objectives 3.2 Bites and Stings 3.2.1 Definition, Causes, Types and Recognition of Bites and Stings 3.2.2 Assessment of the Victim and General First Aid 3.3 Various Bites/Stings 3.3.1 Scorpion Bite and Spider Bite 3.3.2 Snake Bite 3.3.3 Insect Bite 3.3.4 Animal Bites (Dog Bite/Monkey Bites) 3.3.5 Human Bites 3.4 Let Us Sum Up 3.5 Keywords 3.6 Answers to Check Your Progress 3.7 References and Further Readings 3.0 INTRODUCTION Bites and stings are commonly seen in the rural and remote areas. Nowadays, however, they can occur in urban areas also. Lakhs of people every year are bitten or stung by someone or something. These emergencies include bites and stings due to various reasons. These bites or stings need to be identified and treated early as they affect some part or the whole of the body which can cause mild, moderate or severe reaction and can even be life-threatening. Most are not medical emergencies but however, treatment is usually required if there is bleeding, wounds or infection. All bites and stings are not same. Different First Aid treatment and care is needed depending on the type of insect or animal that has caused the bite. Some species are more dangerous and cause more harm compared to others. Hence, in this unit we shall discuss the different types of bites and stings, causes, recognition and first aid in these situations.
    [Show full text]
  • WHO Guidance on Management of Snakebites
    GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SNAKEBITES 2nd Edition GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SNAKEBITES 2nd Edition 1. 2. 3. 4. ISBN 978-92-9022- © World Health Organization 2016 2nd Edition All rights reserved. Requests for publications, or for permission to reproduce or translate WHO publications, whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution, can be obtained from Publishing and Sales, World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110 002, India (fax: +91-11-23370197; e-mail: publications@ searo.who.int). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use.
    [Show full text]
  • Summary of Reported Animal Bites, 2019 Allegheny County, PA
    Summary of Reported Animal Bites, 2019 Allegheny County, PA Prepared by S. Grace Hutko, BS Graduate School of Public Health University of Pittsburgh Kristen Mertz, MD, MPH Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program Allegheny County Health Department L. Renee Miller, BS, BSN, RN Immunization Program Allegheny County Health Department February 2021 Introduction Rabies, a viral zoonotic disease that is nearly always fatal, is a significant global public health concern.1 Worldwide, rabies causes tens of thousands of deaths every year, with dog bites responsible for 99% of human cases.2 In the United States, however, most rabies is found in wild animals, such as bats and raccoons, and there are only one or two human cases per year. In Pennsylvania, there have not been any cases of human rabies since 1984.1 The low incidence of human rabies in the US is attributed to a robust public health surveillance and testing system, widespread availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and rabies vaccination for pets.3 In Pennsylvania, all healthcare providers are required by law to report animal bites.4 In the event a domestic animal bites a human, the animal is placed on in-home quarantine, usually for a period of ten days, and monitored for signs of rabies. If the animal is already deceased, the owner is asked to submit the animal for testing. If the animal is unavailable for observation or testing, or tests positive for rabies, the victim is directed to seek medical care to receive PEP. PEP includes rabies immune globulin given on day 0 and rabies vaccine given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 after being evaluated by a healthcare provider.
    [Show full text]
  • Animal Bites
    Who is in charge when an animal Other Biting Animals: All biting animals that bites a person? are not categorized as dogs, cats, or domestic Animal Bites ferrets, free-roaming high-risk, or low-risk • All cities and counties in Texas must must either be euthanized and tested or What should you do if an designate someone to handle animal bite quarantined or suitably confined as deemed appropriate by the LRCA for a 30-day animal bites you? cases. This person is called the "Local Rabies Control Authority" (LRCA). observation period. Rabies is a viral disease that • The LRCA is responsible for investigating What is quarantine? affects warm-blooded animal bites, ensuring proper animals (such as a dog, management of biting animals, and Quarantine means placing the animal in a cat, skunk, fox, raccoon, bat, enforcing state and local rabies laws. facility that provides: etc.). The virus is spread when saliva containing 1. absolute security (no escape possible); rabies virus is introduced into an opening in the What happens to the animal that 2. no contact with other animals or people skin, usually by the bite (or possibly scratch) of bites a person? except for contact necessary for its care; and a rabid animal. You can also get rabies if the saliva from a rabid animal contacts your mucous Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets (Domestic): 3. observation twice daily by a qualified person. Regardless of vaccination status, the membranes or any open wounds. Quarantine must be in a quarantine facility dog, cat, or ferret must be quarantined or licensed by the Texas Department of State If a bite occurs, the following precautions should euthanized (humanely killed).
    [Show full text]
  • ANIMAL BITE PROTOCOL Animal Bites Must Immediately Receive
    ANIMAL BITE PROTOCOL Animal bites must immediately receive medical attention and be reported to the proper authorities, who will supervise the response. Information about the incident should be transferred with the animal and its paperwork at every point along the path to and from an Emergency Animal Care Center. 1. As soon as a bite is observed or suspected, place the suspect animal in a secure cage or crate that is clearly tagged: “This cage/crate contains an animal that has been involved in a bite.” Isolate the caged animal. No one is to handle this animal except professional staff who are specifically authorized to do so. 2. Immediately direct the person who has been bitten to medical attention. As necessary, apply pressure to stop bleeding. Wash wounds thoroughly with plenty of soap and warm water. Run water over the wound for several minutes to make sure it is clean and all soap is rinsed out. After a thorough wash and rinse, apply an antiseptic solution, such as iodine or other disinfectant. See a physician as soon as possible. If a physician of choice is unavailable, go to the nearest emergency-care facility. Explain how the bite occurred, and follow the physician's advice. 3. Determine and clearly document the incident in the animal’s paperwork. Include: The date and time of the bite, The identity of the person who was bitten, The rabies vaccination status of the person who was bitten, The rabies vaccination status of the animal involved, The identity of people who witnessed the bite, Any special circumstances associated with the bite, The identity of the owner of the animal, The time/date of notification of the owner.
    [Show full text]
  • Venom Evolution Widespread in Fishes: a Phylogenetic Road Map for the Bioprospecting of Piscine Venoms
    Journal of Heredity 2006:97(3):206–217 ª The American Genetic Association. 2006. All rights reserved. doi:10.1093/jhered/esj034 For permissions, please email: [email protected]. Advance Access publication June 1, 2006 Venom Evolution Widespread in Fishes: A Phylogenetic Road Map for the Bioprospecting of Piscine Venoms WILLIAM LEO SMITH AND WARD C. WHEELER From the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 (Leo Smith); Division of Vertebrate Zoology (Ichthyology), American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024-5192 (Leo Smith); and Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024-5192 (Wheeler). Address correspondence to W. L. Smith at the address above, or e-mail: [email protected]. Abstract Knowledge of evolutionary relationships or phylogeny allows for effective predictions about the unstudied characteristics of species. These include the presence and biological activity of an organism’s venoms. To date, most venom bioprospecting has focused on snakes, resulting in six stroke and cancer treatment drugs that are nearing U.S. Food and Drug Administration review. Fishes, however, with thousands of venoms, represent an untapped resource of natural products. The first step in- volved in the efficient bioprospecting of these compounds is a phylogeny of venomous fishes. Here, we show the results of such an analysis and provide the first explicit suborder-level phylogeny for spiny-rayed fishes. The results, based on ;1.1 million aligned base pairs, suggest that, in contrast to previous estimates of 200 venomous fishes, .1,200 fishes in 12 clades should be presumed venomous.
    [Show full text]
  • Z:\My Documents\WPDOCS\IACUC
    ZOONOTIC DISEASES OF LABORATORY, AGRICULTURAL, AND WILDLIFE ANIMALS July, 2007 Michael S. Rand, DVM, DACLAM University Animal Care University of Arizona PO Box 245092 Tucson, AZ 85724-5092 (520) 626-6705 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.ahsc.arizona.edu/uac Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Amebiasis ............................................................................................................................................... 5 B Virus .................................................................................................................................................... 6 Balantidiasis ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Brucellosis ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Campylobacteriosis ................................................................................................................................ 7 Capnocytophagosis ............................................................................................................................ 8 Cat Scratch Disease ............................................................................................................................... 9 Chlamydiosis .....................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Do I Need to See a Doctor for a Cat Bite?
    For Cat Owners While house cats are generally friendly and make excellent pets, almost all animals have the potential to bite. Some cats may be more aggressive or fearful than others, and therefore more likely to bite. Even the most well-natured cat may bite if it is very frightened or in pain. Over-exuberant play may also result in a bite, particularly in kittens. While cat bites usually cause less physical trauma than dog bites, the potential for serious infection is likely greater with cat bites. Not-So-Nice Pussy Cat Problems Ø It is estimated that 20-50% of cat bite wounds become infected. Usually several different kinds of bacteria are present in a bite wound, some of which can cause very severe infection at the site of the wound, or even enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. Ø Cat bites can result in deep puncture wounds which may carry bacteria to deeper tissues such as bones and joints. Infection of these tissues can be much more difficult to treat than a superficial flesh wound. What Do I Do If A Cat Bites Me? Ø Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with lots of soap and water. Ø All animal bites, even from your own pet, should be reported to your local public health unit. o Note if the cat that bit you appears healthy or sick. Be sure to tell the public health official when you report the bite: If the cat is behaving strangely, especially if it is a stray cat or one you don’t know, as it could potentially have rabies.
    [Show full text]
  • Zoonosis Update
    Zoonosis Update Animal bites Gary J. Patronek, VMD, PhD, and Sally A. Slavinski, DVM, MPH, DACVPM nimal bites continue to pose major public health ABBREVIATIONS Achallenges. Since publication of the previous re- port1 on this topic for this series in 1988, much has ED Emergency Department been researched and reported regarding animal bites PEP Postexposure prophylaxis among populations of humans. The intent of this article Psi Pounds per square inch was not to exhaustively review all literature published since 1988, but to focus on aspects of animal bites (dog for which people might come to an emergency depart- and cat bites in particular) that were novel or notewor- ment for care. thy with respect to previously unrecognized injuries or cause of death2–7 or bite-wound pathogens,8–10 the role Frequency—Accurate incidence data for dog (or of individual organisms in polymicrobial infections,11 any other animal) bites and exposure-related injuries risk factors for infection of a bite,12 and controversies are not available because, in part, of the lack of a na- in medical or surgical management of bite injuries (eg, tional system for reporting animal bites. Among stud- wound closure and antimicrobial prophylaxis).13,14 ies15,19–27 for which the rate of bites/100,000 persons was Therefore, reports describing new empiric data and reported, depending on the population sampled and prospective studies were given attention, rather than sampling methods, the estimated incidence of dog bites new compilations of previously reported material. On- and bite-related hospital visits is quite variable (Appen- line abstracting and indexing databases (ie, Medline dix).
    [Show full text]
  • Risk Factor, Monitoring, and Treatment for Snakebite Induced Coagulopathy: a Multicenter Retrospective Study
    Acute and Critical Care 2019 November 34(4):269-275 Acute and Critical Care https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2019.00591 | pISSN 2586-6052 | eISSN 2586-6060 Risk factor, monitoring, and treatment for snakebite induced coagulopathy: a multicenter retrospective study Yong Jun Jeon1, Jong Wan Kim2, SungGil Park2, Dong Woo Shin2 1Department of Surgery, Chinjujeil Hospital, Jinju; 2Department of Surgery, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong, Korea Background: Snakebite can cause various complications, including coagulopathy. The clinical features of snakebite-associated coagulopathy differ from those of disseminated intravascu- Original Article lar coagulation (DIC) caused by other diseases and its treatment is controversial. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients hospitalized for snake- Received: June 20, 2019 Revised: August 28, 2019 bite between January 2006 and September 2018. Accepted: August 28, 2019 Results: A total of 226 patients were hospitalized due to snakebite. Their median hospital stay was 4.0 days (interquartile range, 2.0 to 7.0 days). Five patients arrived at hospital with Corresponding author shock and one patient died. Twenty-one patients had overt DIC according to the Internation- Yong Jun Jeon al Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis scoring system. Two patients developed major bleed- Department of Surgery, Chinjujeil Hospital, 885 Jinju-daero, Jinju ing complications. Initial lower cholesterol level at presentation was associated with the de- 52709, Korea velopment of overt DIC. International normalization ratio (INR) exceeding the laboratory’s Tel: +82-55-750-7123 measurement limit was recorded as late as 4 to 5 days after the bite. Higher antivenom doses Fax: +82-55-750-7574 (≥18,000 units) and transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or cryoprecipitate did not affect E-mail: [email protected] prolonged INR duration or hospital stay in the overt DIC patients without bleeding.
    [Show full text]
  • Animal Control in Anchorage, Alaska: Cats and Dogs Deserve Fair and Equal Treatment,” a Report Prepared by a Member of Our Commission
    MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE Planning Department Phone: 907-343-7921 Long-Range Planning Division Fax: 907-343-7927 Mayor Ethan Berkowitz WATERSHED & NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION December 20, 2019 Animal Control Advisory Board Municipality of Anchorage P.O. Box 196650 Anchorage, AK 99519-6650 Dear Board Members: Cats are now the most numerous household pets in the Municipality of Anchorage, a reflection of national trends. However, for several reasons, cats and cat owners are not held to the same standards as dogs or dog owners. Other pets, such as rabbits and ferrets, are also treated somewhat differently, with little or no justification. We hope to engage your board in a collaborative effort to rectify this imbalance. In our advisory capacities, we have overlapping responsibilities with regard to pets and their impacts on people and the natural environment. Anchorage’s Animal Control Advisory Board is a key player in municipal and state efforts to care for and control domestic pets, particularly those concerning the health, welfare, and safety of animals and people in our community. Some of the principal concerns of the board include (1) strategic planning, enforcement, public education, prioritizing capital needs, and increasing the number of pets adopted, claimed, rescued and housed; (2) reviewing and making recommendations on municipal ordinances related to animals; and (3) promoting safe and healthy use of public spaces by pets and pet owners. Anchorage’s Watershed & Natural Resources Advisory Commission serves as a technical liaison between municipal departments, the community, and state and federal agencies that manage water quality, watersheds and natural resources. The principal concerns of our commission include (1) sustaining the economic and community benefits of healthy creeks, watersheds and natural habitats; (2) restoring and improving fish and wildlife habitat; and (3) increasing community stewardship of aquatic and other natural resources within the Municipality.
    [Show full text]