To report a dog bite in Los Angeles County, follow these steps:
Contact the Appropriate Agency
- Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control:
- Online: Fill out the Animal Bite Report Form at their website
- Phone: Call (213) 288-7060
- Fax: Send report to (213) 481-2373
- Email: [email protected]
- For specific cities:
- Pasadena: Call Pasadena Humane Society at (626) 792-7151
- Long Beach: Contact Long Beach Animal Control at (562) 570-7387
- Vernon: Call City of Vernon at (323) 583-8811 and ask for the Health Department
Provide Necessary Information
When reporting, be prepared to provide:
- Date and location of the incident
- Victim’s name and contact information
- Dog owner’s name and contact information (if known)
- Description of the dog, including breed
- Details of the injury and treatment received
Additional Steps
- If it’s an emergency, call 911 immediately
- Seek medical attention for your injuries
- Document the incident with photos and witness information
- Consider contacting a personal injury attorney for legal advice
Important Notes
- All animal bites (except rodents and rabbits) must be reported in Los Angeles County
- Reporting is mandatory, even if rabies is not suspected
- Healthcare professionals are also required to report dog bites
- The primary goals of reporting are rabies prevention and public safety
By promptly reporting a dog bite, you create an official record, help protect others in the community, and strengthen any potential personal injury claim.
Sources
- https://www.rkmlaw.net/how-to-report-a-dog-bite-in-california/
- https://lacenturylaw.com/how-to-report-a-dog-bite-in-los-angeles-county/
- https://www.dogbitelawgroup.com/how-to-report-a-dog-bite-attack-in-los-angeles-county/
- https://www.mendezsanchezlaw.com/post/reporting-a-dog-bite-what-happens-next
- http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/biteintro.htm
