Ouch: Dog bite reports jump 28 percent in Genesee County

By Ron Fonger mlive.com

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The number of dog bites reported in the county soared 28 percent in 2012.
But officials say the numbers may not reflect an increase in the  number of dangerous dogs on the street.

Instead, those who track and treat dog bites said the numbers are more likely the result of better reporting by hospitals, urgent care offices and doctors after prompting by the state of Michigan.

The county Animal Control Department said dog bite reports increased from 580 in 2011 to 745 last year and reports increases in both the city of Flint and the rest of the county.

"I honestly think it's more reporting being done," said Animal Control Department Chief Officer Walt Rodabaugh. "I think what happened was (early in 2012), the Department of Agriculture sent letters advising" of the requirement that all bites be reported.

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