"Pit bulls are different; they're like wild animals. They're not suited for an urban environment." - Alan Beck, Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Does your neighborhood have a pit bull problem? We have heard complaints of unrestrained pit bulls escaping from homes and running loose in neighborhoods, more than three dogs being kept in a residence, etc. Please let me know what the Village can do to make your neighborhood safer.
If you ever see a dog running loose or being walked without a leash, call the Woodridge Police non-emergency number at 630-719-4740 to report a "dog running at large." Click here for a memorandum from the Police Department; click here for the "running at large" ordinance and fine schedule.
02-24-07 - I proposed a ordinance that would require dog owners to remain at the scene of biting incidents.
08-18-06 - I proposed that Woodridge institute a dog licensing program similar to Naperville. (click here to see Naperville's requirements)
08-17-06 - minutes from the Woodridge Village Board meeting
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Buffalo Grove - requires pit bulls and rottweilers to be leashed or confined
North Chicago - deems pit bulls dangerous and requires restrictions, $500 yearly license
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MEASURES FOR PREVENTING DOG BITES - click here for a pdf
- Realistically evaluate environment and lifestyle and consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to determine suitable breeds of dogs for consideration.
- Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
- Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog.
- Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog or puppy into the home of an infant or toddler.
- Spay/neuter virtually all dogs (this frequently reduces aggressive tendencies).
- Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
- Properly socialize and train any dog entering the household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose abdomen and relinquishing food without growling).
- Immediately seek professional advice (e.g., from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders) if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
- Do not play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
- Teach children basic safety around dogs and review regularly:
- Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
- Never run from a dog and scream.
- Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog (e.g., "be still like a tree").
- If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").
- Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
- Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
- Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
- Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
- If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.
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4,700,000 dog bites every year
- 800,000 persons require medical care
- 386,000 persons require emergency
room treatment
- 6,000 persons are hospitalized
overnight or more
- 12 persons are killed
Costs: $110 million a year in medical; over $1 billion in liability
Non-fatal Injuries
Injury rates are highest among children 5 to 9 years old.
45% - arm / hand injuries
26% - leg / foot injuries
23% - head / neck injuries
6% - other
