What to do when you meet a pack of stray dogs?

The number of homeless animals in Russia has recently been decreasing. Nevertheless, stray dogs can be found in the park, and in the parking lot near the house, and even on playgrounds. These animals can be dangerous. Attacks by a pack of dogs, although infrequent, do happen. It is important to know how to protect yourself from them.

Why do stray dogs attack?

Dogs are pack animals and form entire communities on the street. A dog in such a community feels unpunished, and the attack is an instinctive action of the animal. In most cases, animals need a good reason to attack, but they may just be trying to defend their territory. Those animals that feel in danger can attack, for example, when you walked by, the dog ate something. The same group includes females nursing puppies and sick individuals. Neutered animals with plastic ear tags are the least dangerous, as they are not very afraid of people, but if such a dog decides that you are a danger, it may also attack.

What not to do when meeting a stray dog?

If your route is in an area where there are stray dogs, try to be as confident and careful as possible. It is best to walk around a pack of stray dogs a few meters away, showing that you do not claim their territory or food. Animals may bark at you, but this is not always a sign of attack. So they show alertness and anxiety. Don’t show your fear and don’t run. A running person can be perceived as prey. If you are riding a bicycle or scooter, it is better to get off it and carry it along. Trying to talk to dogs and make eye contact can be seen as aggression. Animals can smell the food you carry in your bag. You can try to treat them with sausage and gently but quickly leave.

What and how to defend yourself if you are attacked?

If dogs are aggressive towards you and make obvious attempts to attack, do not turn your back on them. It is best to lean against a wall or tree to prevent them from attacking from behind and knocking you to the ground. Just in case, carry a pepper spray or a shocker with you – they will help scare away dogs. When attacked, try not to fall and protect your face, stomach and neck. For protection, everything that you have in your hands is useful – a bag, a backpack, an umbrella, the same scooter or bicycle. Try to assess the situation and determine the leader of the pack – it is necessary to fight back from him.

Do I need to see a doctor for injuries?

In the event that the dogs still bit you, immediately contact the nearest emergency room. There, your wounds and scrapes will be treated and sewn up, and you will be vaccinated against rabies and tetanus. The rabies vaccination must be given within 24 hours of the bite. In no case do not let everything take its course, even if you are absolutely sure that the dog that bit you is healthy. Rabies is a deadly disease, and if not vaccinated in time, the outcome can be fatal.

Catching stray dogs

If you often see a pack of aggressive stray animals near your home or on the playground, you need to take immediate action. If you don’t know where to go for stray dogs, call your local Animal Disease Control Station (ABAD). Each district has its own service for trapping and sterilizing homeless animals.

Never try to get rid of a pack of dogs on your own. Firstly, specialized services that have permission for such activities should be engaged in catching. Secondly, it is at least unethical and in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation there is Article 245 on cruelty to animals, according to which you can be held accountable.

And, while there are packs of stray dogs in your area, try to choose hiking trails that pass away from the habitats of these animals.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones.