A child is now undergoing treatment for rabies after being bitten by an escaped Rottweiler in Gwinnett County.
The incident, the first in Gwinnett County in 2018, happened outside of Stone Mountain on Feb. 27 after the rabid animal and another Rottweiler attacked his leashed dog and then bit him as well.
A short time later, one of the Rottweilers was struck and killed by a car. That dog later tested positive for rabies and was confirmed to be the one who bit the child. The surviving dog that attacked was impounded by Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement and had a rabies vaccination that expired in mid-February.
The owner of the two attacking dogs was charged with two counts of no restraint and two counts of public nuisance - attacks without provocation.
Authorities are using this case as a reminder to the public to report animals acting unusual or being bitten or scratched to Animal Welfare and Enforcement at 770-339-3200 during regular business hours. After hours, Gwinnett residents can call the non-emergency dispatch number at 770-513-5700.
Residents are also reminded to vaccinate their pets regularly, keep them on their property, not to keep garbage or pet food outside, stay away from wild, sick, hurt or dead animals, not to keep wild animals as pets and to teach their children not to go near, tease or play with wild animals or those acting strangely.
Rabies vaccinations will also be available for free with the purchase of any other vaccination at the Vaccination Station at the Atlanta Pet Expo at the Gwinnett Fair Grounds on March 25 and 26. Other vaccinations cost $10 each.
The discounted vaccinations are being sponsored by the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Division and the Society of Humane Friends, Animal Alliance of Georgia and Canine Pet Rescue.
