How to Report a Dog Bite in Winnipeg - Bylaws

Public Safety Manitoba 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Manitoba

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, if you or someone else is bitten by a dog you must take immediate safety and health steps and report the incident to City of Winnipeg animal services and public health as required.

Start by ensuring the victim receives medical assessment for wound care and infection risk; seek urgent care if the bite is deep or bleeding heavily. Follow local health guidance on rabies exposure and vaccination when applicable.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of dog-bite and animal-control rules is handled by City of Winnipeg By-law Enforcement and Animal Services. Specific fine amounts, escalation for repeat or continuing offences, and exact non-monetary sanctions are set out in the City's animal-related bylaws or enforcement notices; the cited City page does not list fine amounts or escalation ranges and is noted as not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Enforcer: City of Winnipeg By-law Enforcement / Animal Services.
  • How to complain: contact Animal Services to file a report and request investigation.
  • Appeals: procedures for contesting tickets or orders are governed by municipal enforcement rules; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Fines: amounts not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions can include orders to quarantine, seizure of an animal, court action, or conditions on licence renewal.
If the animal is suspicious for rabies, prioritize medical and public-health advice immediately.

Applications & Forms

To report a bite, the City publishes reporting instructions and contact details for Animal Services; if a specific online form number or fee is required it is not listed on the cited City page.

How-To

  1. Ensure safety: separate the animal from the victim and secure any animals involved.
  2. Get medical care: clean the wound, seek professional assessment, and follow public-health advice on rabies and tetanus.[2]
  3. Collect information: note owner name, contact details, animal description, licence number if visible, location and time, and witness contacts.
  4. Report to City of Winnipeg Animal Services and provide the collected information; request confirmation of a case number and next steps.
  5. Follow quarantine or isolation instructions given by Animal Services or public-health officials and keep records of all communications.
Always insist on a written case or incident number when you report a dog bite.

Common Violations

  • Allowing an unlicenced or unrestrained dog to bite or injure a person.
  • Failing to comply with quarantine or impound orders for an animal involved in a bite.
  • Not providing owner or witness information after an incident.

FAQ

Do I have to report every dog bite?
Yes, bites that break skin or cause injury should be reported to Animal Services and assessed by medical staff.
How long will a dog be quarantined?
Quarantine durations are set by public-health or animal-control orders and depend on vaccination status and risk; the specific duration is not specified on the cited City page.[1]
Who enforces dog-bite bylaws?
City of Winnipeg By-law Enforcement and Animal Services investigate reports, issue orders or tickets, and coordinate with public health when needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Seek medical care first, then report to Animal Services.
  • Collect owner and witness details and request a written incident number.
  • Follow quarantine and public-health instructions closely.

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