Dog quarantined after attack

‎CANADA -- A senior citizen from Chippawa, who suffered a dog bite on the arm while walking along Cattell Dr. last Friday, will not have to undergo shots for rabies.

The dog that was involved in the incident has been located.

“That’s good news for me,” said David Olmstead, 83, who is being treated by a nurse at his home every two days. “The dog has had shots and it’s being kept in quarantine until Monday. It’s looking good for me now because if everything is OK I won’t have to get the shots.”

The incident was brought to the attention of Niagara Regional Police and the Niagara Falls Humane Society, but there was little they could do because they didn’t know who was the dog’s owner.

Niagara Region Public Health and the city of Niagara Falls also get involved when there’s a reported dog bite.

Olmstead was attacked by a large, tan coloured dog with black stripes. It was on a leash and was being walked by a young girl. She also had a smaller white dog. The girl was seen running away on a pathway behind River View School.

Olmstead said he learned the owner of the dogs was away for the weekend and their daughter was looking after them. When the owner returned, a neighbour pointed out the story in The Review and they came forward.

“The story in the paper got the ball rolling,” said Olmstead.

Olmstead has been able to move his hand freely and the wound appears to be healing.

Jay Desroches, general manager of the Niagara Falls Humane Society, said the dog owner came forward, but he’s not allowed to disclose personal information.

The health department was also contacted so Olmstead would not have to endure further medical treatments.

The dog owner has been allowed to keep the animal at home in quarantine for 10 days. That service is also available at the shelter.

“If the articles had not been published in The Review, these people might not even have known this incident had taken place,” said Desroches.

(St. Catharines Standard - August 2, 2012)