Report Dangerous Dog or Animal Bite - Hollywood City Law
In Hollywood, Florida, reporting a dangerous dog or an animal bite starts with notifying the city or county animal authorities immediately. This guide explains who enforces local animal rules, what information to provide, how investigations proceed, and what legal remedies or penalties may apply under Hollywood municipal law and related county/state public-health rules.
Overview
Hollywood addresses animal bites and dangerous animals through its municipal code and coordinated enforcement with county animal-care services and public-health authorities. After an incident, prompt reporting helps protect the victim, allow for rabies risk assessment, and preserve evidence for any administrative or criminal action.
When and how to report
- Call 911 for any life-threatening injury or the Hollywood Police Department for urgent danger.
- Report non-emergency bites to the City or to Broward County Animal Care so the animal can be quarantined and assessed.
- Provide the victim’s name, address of incident, description of the animal, owner information if known, and witness names.
Penalties & Enforcement
Hollywood enforces animal-related rules through its municipal code and partners with Broward County animal-care and public-health agencies for bites and rabies control. The City code sections on animals set standards for licensing, leash requirements, and dangerous-animal procedures; specific provisions are located in the city code for animals Hollywood Code of Ordinances - Animals[1].
Fines and sanctions under Hollywood’s municipal code and related county rules vary by violation. Where the code or county guidance does not list a dollar amount or escalation schedule on the cited page, the text below notes that the figure is "not specified on the cited page" and directs readers to the governing office for current fine schedules.
- Monetary fines: specific dollar amounts for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the City Clerk or Animal Control enforcement office.
- Non-monetary sanctions: may include animal seizure, quarantine, mandatory vaccination, abatement orders, or orders declaring an animal dangerous.
- Court actions: violations may be prosecuted in municipal or county court; remedies can include injunctive relief and civil penalties as provided by local ordinance or state law.
Enforcer, inspection and complaint pathways
- Primary enforcement: City of Hollywood animal enforcement and the Hollywood Police Department for public-safety incidents.
- Supporting enforcement: Broward County Animal Care & Adoption handles quarantine, animal sheltering, and some enforcement actions.
- To file a complaint or request inspection, contact the City’s animal control unit or Broward County Animal Care by their official complaint/report channels listed below.
Appeals, review and time limits
The municipal code provides administrative remedies and appeals for license denials, abatement orders, or dangerous-animal declarations where such procedures are specified. If the code or county guidance does not list specific appeal periods or deadlines on the cited page, that information is not specified on the cited page and must be obtained from the City Clerk or the issuing enforcement office.
Defences and discretion
- Defences such as provocation, self-defense, or permitted working animals may be considered where the ordinance or enforcement policy allows discretion.
- Variances or permits: if the city code provides for exceptions, owners must apply through the designated city office; if no form is published, the requirement is not specified on the cited page.
Common violations
- Failure to leash or otherwise restrain a dog in public.
- Failure to vaccinate or license an animal as required.
- Owner negligence leading to a bite or attack.
Applications & Forms
Official forms for reporting an animal bite, licensing, or appealing an enforcement action are managed by the City Clerk, animal enforcement, or Broward County Animal Care. If a specific form name or number is not published on the municipal code page, that is not specified on the cited page. Use the contact links in Help and Support / Resources to request the correct form and filing instructions.
FAQ
- Who enforces animal-bite and dangerous-dog rules in Hollywood?
- The Hollywood Police Department and the Citys animal enforcement teams enforce city rules, often working with Broward County Animal Care for quarantine and sheltering.
- Do I need to see a doctor after any animal bite?
- Yes. Seek medical attention promptly for any bite that breaks the skin; public-health authorities may require rabies evaluation and wound care.
- Will the animal be quarantined?
- Animals involved in bites are commonly quarantined for observation; the quarantine location and duration are determined by animal-health officials and public-health rules.
How-To
- Ensure safety and get medical care for any injuries.
- Document the incident: date, time, address, witness names, and animal description.
- Report the bite to the Citys animal enforcement or Broward County Animal Care as soon as possible.
- Follow instructions for quarantine, vaccination verification, and any administrative process.
- If you receive an enforcement order you disagree with, request the appeal or review procedure from the issuing office and file within the stated deadline.
Key Takeaways
- Report bites immediately to enable medical and public-health follow-up.
- Enforcement may include quarantine, seizure, fines, or court actions depending on the circumstances.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Hollywood official site
- Hollywood Code of Ordinances - Animals
- Broward County Animal Care & Adoption
- Florida Department of Health