Heading to a lively street fair in Chicago can be a fun outing for humans and dogs alike. But when the space is packed, safety of other people and safety of the dog should be your top priority.
Potential Risks
- Overstimulation and anxiety. Loud music, crowds, street performers, and unfamiliar smells can overwhelm dogs, increasing stress and unpredictability.
- Risk of bites or aggressive reactions. Even well-trained dogs can snap when cornered or startled or somebody accidentally steps on their tail.
- Other dogs and little ones. Off-leash or poorly controlled dogs may behave unpredictably and some dogs become aggressive around other dogs. Additionally, children might startle a dog by grabbing or hugging it too tightly causing the dog to become aggressive and bite.
Best Practices for Safe Outings
- Keep your dog leashed and close. Chicago municipal code requires dogs to be leashed whenever they’re off their owner’s property . In addition, be sure the person holding the leash is strong enough to control the dog. If you have a big, strong dog, don’t let a child hold the leash if the child is incapable of holding the dog. The dog bite attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. have handled devastating dog big cases where young children were given control on a leash of fully grown pit bulls and the pit bulls broke free and bit people.
- Know your dog’s comfort level. If they get anxious in crowds, consider safer outings or dog-friendly zones instead. Additionally, anticipate that there will be other dogs at the event.
- Bring essentials. Pack water, a bowl, waste bags, and perhaps a calming item like a favorite toy or blanket.
- Stay aware. Watch your dog’s body language; leave early if they start showing signs of stress or aggression like barking and/or growling. If your dog and another dog at the event become embroiled in a confrontation, be prepared to pull your dog away from the fight. If you are not strong enough to control your dog in case the dog gets into a fight with another dog, or gets aggressive with a person, it is probably best not to take your dog to the event.
What to Do if You’re Bitten by a Dog in Chicago
If an unfortunate event occurs and you or a loved one is bitten, here’s exactly what you need to know.
Immediate Steps
- Seek medical attention right away. Even minor bites can lead to serious infection or complications. The wound needs to be thoroughly cleaned and a doctor may prescribe antibiotics, and possibly rabies prophylaxis may be necessary. If the wound becomes red or you develop a fever, it is important to go to the emergency room immediately.
- Report the incident.
- Call Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC) at (312) 747‑1406, or report via 311 (online or app) within 24 hours.
- If outside city limits, contact the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control through the Sheriff’s Office or ARC.
- Document everything.
- Get the dog owner’s full contact information.
- Take photos or video of your injuries, torn clothing, and the surroundings.
- Collect names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Medical and police reports.
- Keep all medical records, bills, and prescriptions.
- File a police or incident report—this helps document the event and may include owner/insurance details.
- Illinois law strongly favors victims:
- Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dog—even if the dog has never shown aggression before as long the dog bite victim didn’t provoke the dog and the dog bite victim was not trespassing.
- Owners can’t avoid liability just because a bite was their first incident.
- Chicago requires dogs to be leashed in public, and violation can result in fines up to $10,000.
The dog bite lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have handling many dog bit cases and are aware how traumatizing these cases can be. If you have been bitten by a dog we provide free consultations to ensure that your rights are protected.