Dog Bite Reporting Procedures - New Orleans

Public Safety Louisiana 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

In New Orleans, Louisiana, prompt reporting of dog bites is important for public health, rabies exposure assessment, and enforcement of municipal animal regulations. This guide explains who to contact, what information to provide, and the steps both victims and witnesses should follow after a bite. For local reporting and animal control response, contact the City of New Orleans Animal Services City of New Orleans Animal Services[1] for guidance on quarantine, investigation, and potential removal of an animal.

Reporting a Dog Bite

If someone is bitten, seek medical attention first. Then report the bite to the city agency responsible for animal control as soon as possible. Your report should include:

  • Date and time of the incident.
  • Location address and a brief description of circumstances.
  • Victim contact information and any witness names.
  • Identification details for the animal and owner, if known.
Report promptly to help public-health authorities assess rabies risk.

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary enforcing body for dog-bite investigations and animal control in New Orleans is the City of New Orleans Animal Services. Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts for repeat or continuing offences, and administrative penalty schedules are not specified on the cited city page; consult the enforcing agency for current penalty schedules and procedural details.[1]

  • Enforcer: City of New Orleans Animal Services (investigation, quarantine orders, removal).
  • Non-monetary sanctions: quarantine orders, animal seizure, surrender, or court referral where public-safety risks exist.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation and repeat-offence ranges: not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: submit a report to Animal Services via the city reporting page or phone contact listed by the agency.
  • Appeal/review routes and time limits: not specified on the cited page; ask the enforcing office about administrative appeals and court review timelines.
If the animal is available, do not handle it—wait for trained animal-control staff.

Applications & Forms

There is no separate public-facing “dog bite form” published on the cited city page; Animal Services accepts reports and will document incidents during intake. For formal documentation or records requests, contact the agency directly for the appropriate forms or submission process.[1]

Action Steps After a Dog Bite

  • Obtain immediate medical care and document treatment.
  • Report the incident to City of New Orleans Animal Services online or by phone.[1]
  • Preserve evidence: photographs of injuries, location, and the animal if it is safe to do so.
  • Provide the medical provider with any known animal vaccination information for rabies risk assessment.
Keep a record of all medical and agency contacts for follow-up and any civil claims.

FAQ

Do I have to report a dog bite?
Yes. Reporting helps public-health authorities assess rabies exposure and allows animal-control to investigate. Contact Animal Services to file a report.
What happens to the animal after a reported bite?
The animal may be quarantined, vaccinated, seized, or released back to the owner depending on vaccination status and investigation findings.
Are there fines for dog owners whose animals bite?
Specific fines and penalty amounts are not specified on the cited city page; the enforcing agency will advise on penalties and possible civil remedies.

How-To

  1. Seek immediate medical attention for the bite victim and obtain documentation of treatment.
  2. Collect details: date, time, location, witness names, and animal description.
  3. Report the bite to City of New Orleans Animal Services via the agency reporting page or by calling the departmental contact listed on the city site.[1]
  4. Follow instructions from Animal Services about quarantine, vaccination records, and follow-up inspections.
  5. If needed, ask your medical provider or Animal Services about rabies prophylaxis and public-health steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Report bites promptly to Animal Services to protect health and support investigation.
  • Keep medical records and evidence to assist public-health and enforcement actions.
  • Penalties and detailed procedures are administered by the city agency; consult them for specifics.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of New Orleans Animal Services - reporting and animal control information

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data