After having been bit by a dog (no collar / no license) this afternoon while riding my bike, having confronted the owner and gotten some BS from her, I got the number for Animal Control and the following conversation took place:
“Can I help you?”
“Yes, I was bit by a dog and…”
“OK. This is not animal control. That number changed back in November.”
“Ok. You have the new number?”
“That office isn’t open until Tuesday.”
“Uh…”
“Here, I’ll transfer you to the Sheriff’s dept.”
*click*“Officer so-and-so, can I help you?”
“Dog bite, etc. etc.”
“Uh. OK. Do you want an officer to contact you?”
“No, but the bite broke the skin, blood, swelling, etc.”
“Um. Well, Animal Control is who you want to call, then.”
“Wha? They don’t open til Tuesday.”
“Yes.”
“…”
“Let me transfer you…”
*click*
“Officer so-and-so, blah blah blah”
“Dog. Bite. Blood. Swelling. Etc.”
“Animal Control, yada yada, blah blah blah”
“Is this some kind of joke?”
“Sir, I don’t know what you want us to do…”
“I’d kinda like to know if the unlicensed, uncollared dog that BIT ME is rabid, sick, etc.”
“Well, sir, you’ll need to call Animal Control on Tuesday morning…”
“What in the Hell…?”
*click*
Laughed (with you? not at you :) when I read your post. I have had so many similar experiences with animal patrol. Thank goodness no bites to date. For some reason every stray in the neighborhood turns up at our house. We take the critter under our wing & call animal control… who naturally are not in the office, unavailable, or not in until _x_ day. In 6+ calls, I have never received same day service or have ever called the right number. Also in FL.