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Q: Jacksonville Today reader Lois B. says a pit bull mix recently bit her seriously on her left arm. She reported it to her leasing office soon after.
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The apartment management gave her information about how to report it to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and an officer came out a day later to file a report, telling her that the city’s Animal Care and Protective Services would act on it.
That began a series of telephone messages, Lois says. And in the following weeks, she says, nothing happened with her case.
“There’s no way to talk directly with Animal Control. I left a message to call me,” she says. “The manager today said the (apartment complex) investigation is still ongoing. This dog is dangerous. … It’s still on the property. It should not be on the property.”
“Can you get action? Citizens need better service.”
A: The city’s website says anyone who wants to report a dog bite can call (904) 630-CITY or go online to report violations and other animal-related issues. An code enforcement officer will be dispatched to investigate and address the issue, the website says.
City officials say this system allows them to respond appropriately. The city gathers contact information and details, routes a service request to the proper agency and allows the agency to prioritize the response.
All customer interactions are documented, and the agency is alerted to follow up if needed, the city says.
Animal Control Chief Michael Bricker tells Jacksonville Today the department typically responds within 24 hours if the dog is loose and could pose a danger; if there is a risk of rabies; or if the bite is severe and requires medical attention.
In Lois’ case, none of these factors applied, Bricker says. “The dog had returned home; the bite was minimal; no medical attention or hospitalization was required; the victim moved out of the apartment the following day; and the dog was vaccinated against rabies,” he says. “Given these circumstances, the priority level for the call was reduced.”