further update on the state of CA
supposedly, CA is a nanny-state, right? bans guns, knives, and running with scissors?
well, i called the PD. nope, they won't take a report. not a crime, she says, unless you hear him sic the dog on you. referred me to Health Services.
HS is closed on weekends.
i call HS today.
HS doesn't take dog-on-dog bites. "but i had to go to the er!" i exclaim. "Nope, that's not a bite.. that's an Animal Control issue."
I call AC on their 24hr line. I tell her my story. "Well, that sounds like a loose dog issue. The next time you see this dog loose, call this number [gives me a local shelter number] and we'll come pick it up."
"But I've already been attacked!"
"Well, the next time you see it loose we'll pick it up."
"Isn't it against the law to allow your dog to be off leash? Isn't it against the law if your unleashed dog attacks someone?"
"Well, the attack is a liability issue, we don't handle that."
"So what do you guys do after you take a report?"
"We investigate if the owner had his dog unleashed."
"Ok... what happens to him if he did have his dog unleashed."
"Then we fine him, and write him a citation. If the dog has rabies, we quarantine it at his house."
at this point, i'm finding it funny that a dog can be quarantined without actually putting it into quarantine.
"How much is the fine?"
"$25."
i really can't help laughing at this point.
"so the dog attacks me and my dog, it's off leash, he knew it was dangerous, it's on the CA list of dangerous dogs... and the penalty is $25."
"yes."
"all.. right," i tell the AC lady. "ok. i guess this is just the way the system works. so how can i file a report?"
"well, AC shelter services are closed on mondays, and tomorrow is july 4th. try to call back on wednesday. then we'll give you the number to your local shelter and you can talk to them."
whoopie-doo.