06/01/2026
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BITTEN BY A DOG
Dog bites and scratches require immediate medical attention due to the risk of infection, including rabies. If you or a loved one is injured by a dog in Akwesasne, please follow this step-by-step guide to protect your health and ensure the incident is properly reported and investigated.
STEP 1: IMMEDIATE MEDICAL & FIRST AID RESPONSE
• Administer First Aid: Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound to help control bleeding. If possible, elevate the affected area.
• Wash the Wound: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible, especially if medical care is not immediately available.
• Seek Medical Care: Visit a clinic or hospital as soon as possible, even if the injury appears minor. Prompt medical care is important to prevent infection and assess any potential health risks.
STEP 2: REPORTING THE INCIDENT
Reporting dog bites ensures community safety and allows officers to track potential health risks.
☎️ During Regular Hours: Call the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) at 613-575-2340
🚨 After-Hours/Emergencies: For immediate safety threats or after-hours incidents, please call Central Dispatch at 613-575-2000
📝 Provide Critical Details: When making a report, be prepared to share:
• The time and exact location of the incident
• The names of the reporting person and injured individual(s), if known
• A description of the dog (breed, size, colour, markings, and behaviour)
• The name and address of the dog owner, if known
• A photo of the dog, if available, to assist with identification
After-hours reports will be responded to by AMPS in coordination with the Compliance Department.
Step 3: FOLLOW-UP & INVESTIGATION
Once a report is received, it will be reviewed and followed up on in a timely manner.
🔎 Investigation: Compliance Officers will review and respond to reported incidents as soon as possible.
🐾 Dog Quarantine: Under Section 4A of the Emergency Interim Dog Control Regulation, any dog not under its owner's control that bites a person shall be quarantined for up to 10 days. The Compliance Department will contact the owner to verify up-to-date rabies vaccination records and visually monitor the dog for signs of the virus (such as increased salivation, irritability, or aggressiveness).
🧪 Rabies Testing: If a dog exhibits symptoms of rabies, it must be humanely euthanized so tissue samples can be sent to a laboratory for testing. The MCA Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will oversee this process.
📮 Enforcement & Tickets: If the owner violated local laws by failing to secure their dog, the Compliance Officer can issue a written warning or an official ticket. For "Improper Care of a Dog" (such as a lack of vaccination records) or letting an aggressive dog roam unsupervised, fines range from $50 up to $1,000, or a term of imprisonment of up to 30 days.
STEP 4: COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES
Dog owners are legally and financially liable for any injury or property damage their animal causes while not under control.
• Documenting Expenses: Individuals are encouraged to provide a detailed list of medical expenses, lost time, or property damage to the Compliance Department.
• Reimbursement: The Compliance Officer may facilitate communication between the affected parties regarding possible reimbursement.
• Akwesasne Court: If the owner refuses to pay, or if the damages are significant, a ticket will be issued, and matters may be referred to the Akwesasne Mohawk Court for resolution and potential recovery of damages.
Help keep Akwesasne safe. Please restrain your pets, keep vaccinations current, and report loose or aggressive animals immediately.
