Glendale Dog Bite Reporting & Dangerous Dog Order

Public Safety California 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

If someone is bitten by a dog in Glendale, California, report the incident promptly to local authorities and public health to protect victims and manage rabies risk. This guide explains where to report, how dangerous dog orders are initiated, typical enforcement steps, possible penalties, and how to appeal. Begin by seeking medical care for the injured person and preserving evidence such as photos of wounds, the dog, and witness contacts. Then notify Glendale Animal Control or the Glendale Police Department so officials can investigate and determine whether a dangerous dog order or other enforcement is required.

Report immediately after medical care to preserve evidence and start official procedures.

When and where to report

Report dog bites and aggressive dog incidents promptly. For Glendale-specific enforcement, contact Glendale Animal Control or the Glendale Police Department for investigation and bite reports. See the City of Glendale Animal Control page for contact and reporting instructions Glendale Animal Control[1]. For municipal code definitions and any local dangerous-dog provisions, consult the Glendale municipal code chapter on animals Glendale Municipal Code - Animals[2]. If there is any risk of rabies exposure, notify Los Angeles County Public Health immediately for guidance on prophylaxis and animal quarantine LA County Public Health - Rabies[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Glendale enforces animal-related rules through the Police Department and Animal Control. Official code sections cited on the municipal code page govern dangerous dog findings and owner responsibilities; exact fines and escalation details are not all itemized on the cited municipal code landing page and are noted below where available from the cited sources.

  • Enforcer: Glendale Police Department and Animal Control investigate complaints and may file administrative or criminal charges as authorized by local code.[2]
  • Fines: Specific fine amounts for animal violations are not specified on the cited municipal code landing page; the cited pages do not list dollar amounts for every violation, so fine amounts are "not specified on the cited page".[2]
  • Escalation: The municipal code and enforcement guidance indicate repeat or continuing violations may result in stronger enforcement measures, but specific escalation schedules or per-day amounts are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: Possible orders include animal quarantine, mandatory muzzling, tethering or confinement orders, dangerous dog declarations, seizure or impoundment, and referral to court for civil or criminal proceedings.[2]
  • Inspections and complaint pathway: File a complaint with Glendale Animal Control or the Police Department; they will inspect, interview witnesses, and may issue orders or citations. Contact details are on the Glendale Animal Control page.[1]
If rabies exposure is possible, contact public health immediately for medical guidance and animal quarantine instructions.

Applications & Forms

The cited Glendale Animal Control and municipal code pages do not publish a specific "dangerous dog order" application form on the landing pages. If a written complaint or form is required, Glendale Animal Control or the Police Department will advise on the required documentation when you call or visit; the cited pages do not list a named form or fee schedule and therefore state "not specified on the cited page" for form names and fees.[1][2]

Action steps - reporting, evidence, and follow up

  • Seek medical care immediately for the bite victim and keep medical records and receipts.
  • Preserve evidence: photos of injuries, the dog, location, and witness names and contact details.
  • Contact Glendale Animal Control or Police to file the official report; provide all evidence and witness information.[1]
  • If required, complete any written complaint or declaration requested by Animal Control to initiate a dangerous dog review; follow the department's filing instructions.
  • If an order is issued, note appeal deadlines and procedures in the notice; appeals often must be filed within a short statutory or administrative period, which should be confirmed on the notice or by the enforcing department (not specified on the cited page).

FAQ

Who investigates dog bites in Glendale?
Glendale Animal Control and the Glendale Police Department investigate dog bites and aggressive dog complaints; public health is notified if rabies exposure is suspected.[1][3]
Can I request a dangerous dog order?
Yes. File a complaint with Glendale Animal Control or the Police Department; officials will investigate and may pursue a dangerous dog declaration under the municipal code.[1][2]
Are there set fines for violations?
Specific dollar amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited municipal code landing page; contact Animal Control or review the municipal code sections for details or case-specific notices.[2]

How-To

  1. Get medical care for the victim and document injuries with photos and medical records.
  2. Call Glendale Animal Control or the Police Department to report the bite and request an investigation.[1]
  3. Provide a written statement and witness contacts if requested by investigators.
  4. Cooperate with quarantine or animal seizure instructions if public health or animal control advises them.
  5. If a dangerous dog order is issued, read the notice for appeal instructions and file any appeal within the time stated on the notice.
Keep copies of all medical bills and official reports for insurance or legal claims.

Key Takeaways

  • Report bites quickly to Glendale Animal Control or Police to start an official investigation.
  • Preserve evidence and medical records to support any dangerous dog proceeding or civil claim.
  • Appeal procedures and fines should be confirmed with the enforcing department because some amounts are not listed on the cited landing pages.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Glendale - Animal Control
  2. [2] Glendale Municipal Code - Animals
  3. [3] Los Angeles County Public Health - Veterinary Public Health (rabies)