The Grey Bruce Health Unit investigates about 314 incidents of dogs biting people every year.
On average, 25 of those cases require post-exposure rabies vaccinations. And each of those cases costs an estimated $1,800 to treat the average of four doses over two weeks for a healthy 140-pound adult. That adds up to $45,000.
Overall, every year, the health unit receives an average of 527 animal bite reports in total. 60 per cent involve dogs, 31 per cent cats, and three per cent bats. Most bites occur between May and September.
The health unit is currently hoping to find the female owner of a medium size white and grey Border collie type dog that bit a man Wednesday at around 5 p.m. near Jones Falls in Owen Sound. Health officials said they hope to confirm the leashed dog had its rabies shots, so the victim can avoid the rabies vaccination treatments.
If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420 ext. 1518.
