What to do if you hit a dog with your car
No one would intentionally hurt an animal but accidents can never be avoided and dogs can be injured by passing cars. What would you do if you hit other people's pet with your car? Would you pull over and stop or would drive on thinking that it is JUST a dog anyway? Stopping would mean assuming the veterinary bills for the treatment of the injured dog.
Because of the loving and loyal nature, dogs are considered by owners as members of the family. Consider the grief the dog owners will have to go through at the death of the pet. You have decided to drive on as the accident is not your fault but not doing the humane thing of helping the dog can end up with the death of the injured animal. The dog could have been saved if only you took the trouble to stop and help.
Even self-confessed non-animal lovers would not want to be the cause of a dog's death. If you hit a dog with your car you have to stop not only because it is the humane thing to do but also because the law requires anyone who hit animals with their cars to stop and take full responsibility. Driving on can get you slapped with a cruelty to animals charge. Pull over and carefully move the dog to the side of the road so as not to create road hazard to other motorists and more importantly to prevent the already injured dog from being run over by oncoming cars.
Dogs that are in pain or in shock can turn aggressive and bite. As a precautionary measure you can use a tie or a scarf to muzzle the dog or you can use a blanket to cover the head to prevent the dog from snapping. Moving small dogs to the side of the road will be easy. Moving large dogs would be easier if a blanket or a jacket will be used as a stretcher.
Dogs hit by oncoming cars can sustain simple bruises or serious internal injuries. The injured dog must have prompt medical attention as it can have internal injuries. Dial 911 to get help. The authorities will help you in taking the dog to a medical facility. Look for identification tags as one of your tasks is to notify the dog's owners. The accident may not be your fault but you will still be held liable for the vet's bills.
Because of the loving and loyal nature, dogs are considered by owners as members of the family. Consider the grief the dog owners will have to go through at the death of the pet. You have decided to drive on as the accident is not your fault but not doing the humane thing of helping the dog can end up with the death of the injured animal. The dog could have been saved if only you took the trouble to stop and help.
Even self-confessed non-animal lovers would not want to be the cause of a dog's death. If you hit a dog with your car you have to stop not only because it is the humane thing to do but also because the law requires anyone who hit animals with their cars to stop and take full responsibility. Driving on can get you slapped with a cruelty to animals charge. Pull over and carefully move the dog to the side of the road so as not to create road hazard to other motorists and more importantly to prevent the already injured dog from being run over by oncoming cars.
Dogs that are in pain or in shock can turn aggressive and bite. As a precautionary measure you can use a tie or a scarf to muzzle the dog or you can use a blanket to cover the head to prevent the dog from snapping. Moving small dogs to the side of the road will be easy. Moving large dogs would be easier if a blanket or a jacket will be used as a stretcher.
Dogs hit by oncoming cars can sustain simple bruises or serious internal injuries. The injured dog must have prompt medical attention as it can have internal injuries. Dial 911 to get help. The authorities will help you in taking the dog to a medical facility. Look for identification tags as one of your tasks is to notify the dog's owners. The accident may not be your fault but you will still be held liable for the vet's bills.
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What to do if you hit a dog with your car? This question and more are answered at Sarah's Dogs.
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