Officials Seeking Dog Owner After Child Scratched at Urbana Park
Frederick, Md. — The Frederick County Health Department is trying to locate the owner of a dog that scratched a child Tuesday evening at Urbana Community Park.
The incident happened around 7 p.m. near the soccer fields. According to officials, the dog’s owner was helping the child search for a lost watch when one of the three leashed dogs — the largest one — scratched the child. The owner is described as a White male.
Health officials say it’s important to confirm the dog is healthy 10 days after the incident. If the owner isn’t located, the child may have to undergo costly rabies treatment as a precaution.
Authorities remind residents that if someone is bitten or scratched by an animal — or if a pet is involved in such an encounter — it’s critical to get the animal owner’s contact information and report the incident to Animal Control at 301-600-1544.
For wildlife-related incidents, contact your veterinarian or call Environmental Health Services at 301-600-1717. If there’s any concern about rabies exposure, call Community Health Services at 301-600-3342.
General information on rabies is available at Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov/RABIES.
