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VECRA - FAQ

A. Reporting & Initial Findings

A.1 What is a bite incident?

- A bite incident refers to a situation in which an actual bite has taken place - that is, when the animal's teeth have made contact with the victim (or, in some cases, its clothing).

- When the dog has made a bite movement without physical contact (a "snap"), this could still be considered a minor bite incident, according to the criteria in 'Box 1: Assessing the severity of a canine bite incident' (see A.2).

A.2 What levels of bite incidents are recognised?

>> Also see the annex "Procedure incident - steps".

- Minor & first occurrence - recorded as "disturbing" - Action to take: contact a behaviour professional and, if physical discomfort is suspected, the attending vet.

- Minor & recurrence - decision made by a government authority - Action to take: request advice and/or a risk assessment from VECRA.

- Sever (regardless of recurrence) - decision made by a government authority - Action to take: risk assessment necessary.

A.3 What is the difference between a bite incident in a public space and on a private property?

- VECRA can be consulted by government authorities for bite incidents that occur in public spaces (i.e. under the jurisdiction of the local authority).

- For bite incidents that take place on private property, we recommend consulting the guided menu for support requests to determine the most appropriate course of action.

A.4 What should I do if there are signs of aggression?

- If your animal is showing signs of aggression but has not (yet) bitten, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified animal behaviour professional.

A.5 Can I file a report even if no bite incident has occurred?

- Yes, that is possible. If you believe an animal poses a danger or causes significant nuisance, you can file a report with the local police.

- If you suspect mistreatment or neglect, you can report it to Animal Welfare Flanders (Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen).

- VECRA can only be consulted by government authorities for bite incidents and provides advice to government officers and professionals in the animal care sector.

- Private individuals and professionals can also be directed via our guided menu for support requests.

A.6 Can I file a report if the victim is an animal (a dog or another species)?

- Yes, you can file a complaint with the police. They will assess the situation and, if necessary, take appropriate measures > see the guided menu for support requests.

A.7 What happens after a report is made to the police or the local authority?

- The police or the local authority will assess the severity of the report. In severe cases, VECRA may be consulted for a risk assessment or expert opinion.

A.8 What information should I gather during a bite incident (or near-incident)?

- Your (animal's) care has priority: make sure injuries are treated by a doctor or veterinarian as soon as possible.

- In addition, it is important to take photographs of the wounds, note the contact details of all parties involved, and write a clear description of the incident as soon as possible, while memories are still fresh. This description should include the context in which the incident occurred, the animal's behaviour prior to the event, what triggered the bite, how many times and where the animal bit, whether the animal stopped on its own, what happened afterwards, and the behaviour of the dog, the owner, and the victim throughout the incident.

A.9 Which police service should I preferably contact?

- In several Flemish municipalities, a specific service is designated for this type of report. You can find your local police information via the following website: www.police.be/en

B. Seeking Assistance from VECRA

B.1 Who can call on VECRA?

- VECRA conducts risk assessments only for government authorities. In case of doubt, government officials can request an advisory consultation.

- Animal care professionals (veterinarians, behaviourists, etc.) can also request an advisory consultation if they have concerns about a (potential) bite risk.

- Due to conflicts of interest, VECRA cannot conduct risk assessments for private individuals. However, we aim to guide these individuals appropriately through our guided menu for support requests.

B.2 In which cases can the municipality call on VECRA?

- In the case of severe bite incidents a risk assessment should always be carried out.

- For less severe incidents or in cases of recurring reports, the municipality may request advice or have a risk assessment carried out.

B.3 How can I call on VECRA?

- VECRA can only be contacted via the appropriate contact forms.

- You can find more information about the procedure on the pages intended for government authorities or animal professionals.

- Private individuals cannot contact VECRA directly. Through our selection menu, we guide them towards the appropriate steps and, if necessary, to qualified animal behaviour professionals.

C. Behavioural Expertise & Support

C.1 Where can I find a qualified animal behaviour professional?

- You can find an overview of recognised animal behaviour professionals through the following professional associations (in Flanders):

* VDWE for veterinary behaviourists

* VDG for animal behaviour professionals

- In cases of (potentially) dangerous problem behaviour, we recommend contacting the Behaviour Team led by Prof. Dr. Haverbeke, or consulting a veterinary behaviourist or a clinical animal behaviourist affiliated with one of the above-mentioned associations.

- You can find more information about the different types of animal behaviour professionals in the annex (document in Dutch): 'Beroepsprofielen diergedragsprofessionals'.

C.2 What does a risk assessment carried out by VECRA involve?

- The Veterinary Expertise Centre for Risk Assessment (VECRA) places great importance on assessing each animal in an objective and scientifically grounded manner. All aspects of the situation must be taken into account: factors related to the animal, the context in which it lives, its owner, the circumstances of the incident, etc.

- Information is gathered - to the extent possible - through reports, observations of the dog, interviews, and, where necessary, additional examinations.

- By adopting a multidimensional approach, it is possible to develop a risk assessment that is as comprehensive as possible. This assessment does not only focus on the likelihood and severity of potential future incidents, but also considers preventive measures and the animal's welfare.

D. Policy & Prevention

D.1 What are the consequences for the owner after a bite incident?

- Depending on the severity of the incident, possible consequences may include: a warning, mandatory guidance, a behavioural assessment, or, in exceptional cases, administrative measures.

- VECRA only provides advice related to the risk assessment and does not impose any measures.

D.2 How can incidents be prevented?

- Early support in cases of problem behaviour, proper socialisation, appropriate training, and regular medical check-ups are essential.

- Don't hesitate to seek help if your dog shows insecure behaviour or signs of aggression, even if they seem minor.

- For more information, consult animal behaviour professionals.

D.3 Is the dog always assessed after a report or bite incident?

- Not automatically. The nature of the report determines whether further investigation or a risk assessment is necessary. This will be determined by the government authorities.

- VECRA is only involved in (potentially) high-risk situations.

D.4 Are reports shared with other authorities?

- When relevant, information may be shared between the police, the municipality, and VECRA.

- This is done in accordance with privacy legislation and with the aim of ensuring a swift follow-up of potential risks.

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