Some family pets are literally biting the hand that feeds them.

This month animal attacks are on the rise in east Alabama. Many people believe that their dog could never hurt anyone especially a child at a playground.

But William Chapman of Calhoun County Animal Control says in the past seven days they've had five dog bites reported to their office. Most of them are by animals owned by somebody else.

Trusted pets are unleashing primal force on their owner. The wounds include deep lacerations. One child required twenty two stitches on his face.

The increase in attacks comes in part with the change in seasons.

"Animals have more time around the child. There's more daylight time for them to play after school, " says William Chapman, Calhoun County Animal Control.

Chapman says that these attacks can often be prevented adding,"almost any bite will result from some kind of tell."

That "tell" can be discovered by watching your pet's body language for signs that it doesn't feel well or doesn't want to be held or touched. Even if a dog lives in your neighborhood , remember if it's not your pet, it's hard to be sure of its disposition.

Chapman adds, "If you don't know the animal, don't try to get to know the animal."

Calhoun County Animal Control stresses the importance of vaccinations.  Even if your pet bites a friend or family-member, if the animal isn't properly vaccinated it could be put under quarantine.

In extreme cases some animals are even killed to determine if rabies treatment is neccessary for the victim.

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