Report Dangerous Dog Bites - London Animal Control
In London, Ontario, reporting a dangerous dog bite is a public safety priority and often begins with contacting the City of London Animal Services as soon as possible. This guide explains immediate actions, how quarantine is handled, enforcement responsibilities, appeals and where to find official forms and contacts to file a complaint.
How to report a dog bite
If the bite caused serious injury, call 911. For non-emergency reports, contact Animal Services to file a bite report and start any required quarantine or public-health follow-up. You can submit details and evidence to Animal Services through the City of London reporting page[1].
Immediate steps after a bite
- Seek medical care immediately for wounds and possible rabies exposure.
- Contact Animal Services to report the incident and provide the owner’s details if known.[1]
- Collect evidence: photos of wounds, photos of the animal, witness names and contact information.
- Follow public health advice on quarantine or observation periods for the animal.
Penalties & Enforcement
The City of London enforces animal-related bylaws through its Animal Services and Municipal By-law Enforcement staff. Specific fine amounts, escalation schedules for repeat or continuing offences, and civil remedies are not specified on the cited City pages; see the official contact and reporting pages for the controlling office and to request further bylaw details[2].
- Enforcer: City of London Animal Services / By-law Enforcement; complaints routed via the Animal Services reporting page.[1]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Appeals/review: not specified on the cited page; request appeal information from By-law Enforcement or the office listed on the enforcement notice.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to quarantine, seizure of animal, court action may be pursued; specific measures not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The City provides an online bite-reporting form and contact route for Animal Services; specific application or permit forms (for example, to contest a quarantine order) are not published on the cited pages. Contact Animal Services or By-law Enforcement to request any forms and fee details.[1]
How quarantine is handled
Quarantine or observation of the animal is typically coordinated with public health and Animal Services. The length and location (owner home, designated facility) depend on health assessments; exact quarantine periods and protocols are not specified on the City pages and may follow provincial public-health guidance.
Action steps - what you should do now
- Get medical treatment immediately.
- Report the bite to City of London Animal Services via the official reporting page[1].
- Preserve evidence and obtain witness statements.
- Follow instructions from Animal Services and public-health officials regarding quarantine and testing.
FAQ
- Who enforces dog-bite and dangerous-dog rules in London?
- The City of London Animal Services and By-law Enforcement enforce animal bylaws and handle bite reports.
- How do I report a dog bite?
- Report through the City of London Animal Services online reporting page or by phone as listed on the City’s Animal Services contact page.[1]
- Are there fines or criminal charges?
- Specific fine amounts and criminal prosecution information are not specified on the cited City pages; contact By-law Enforcement for exact penalties and escalation details.[2]
How-To
- Ensure immediate medical care for the bite victim.
- Call or use the City of London Animal Services online reporting page to file a report with contact and incident details.[1]
- Provide photos, witness names and owner details if known.
- Follow public-health directions on wound treatment and rabies prophylaxis.
- Comply with any quarantine orders and contact Animal Services to confirm compliance.
- If you receive a notice or fine, request the cited bylaw and appeal instructions from By-law Enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Report bites promptly to Animal Services to start quarantine and public-health follow-up.
- Contact Animal Services for forms, evidence submission and appeal information.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of London - Animal Services
- City of London - Report an animal bite or rabies concern
- Middlesex-London Health Unit