Report an Animal Bite in Brooklyn - City Bylaw Guide

Public Safety New York 3 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of New York

In Brooklyn, New York, reporting an animal bite promptly helps protect public health and starts any necessary rabies investigation. Seek immediate medical attention for wound care and possible post-exposure prophylaxis, then report the incident to the New York City Department of Health via 311 or the department reporting page Report an Animal Bite[1]. Preserve evidence about the animal and the incident (location, owner details, photos) and follow medical advice on rabies exposure; the DOHMH provides rabies information and control guidance Rabies - NYC Health[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

The City agency responsible for investigating animal bites and rabies risks in Brooklyn is the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), which instructs reporting through 311 and its online reporting resources. The cited DOHMH pages provide reporting pathways but do not list specific civil fine amounts or penalty schedules for bite incidents; therefore: fines - not specified on the cited page.[1]

Report promptly to help preserve evidence for any enforcement action.

Escalation: the DOHMH pages do not publish an escalation table for first, repeat, or continuing offences; escalation details are not specified on the cited page.[1]

Non-monetary sanctions that public health or animal control authorities may use include orders to quarantine or confine animals, seizure of animals believed to present a public health risk, and referral to court for violations or owner noncompliance; specific procedures and timeframes for these measures are not fully detailed on the cited DOHMH pages.[1]

Enforcer and complaint pathway: DOHMH handles public-health investigations and bite reporting; residents should report via 311 or the DOHMH reporting page to start an investigation and to obtain official guidance.[1]

Appeals and review: the DOHMH reporting and rabies pages do not state a dedicated appeal process or statutory time limits for administrative appeals related to animal-bite investigations; appeals or judicial review pathways are not specified on the cited pages.[1]

Applications & Forms

The DOHMH instructs reporting through 311 or its online portal; a downloadable municipal “animal bite” penalty form or permit is not published on the cited DOHMH reporting page. If a local quarantine or seizure occurs, DOHMH or the enforcing agency will provide the required documentation to affected owners as part of the investigation.[1]

  • Call 311 or use the DOHMH online report to notify authorities.
  • Preserve evidence: photos of injuries, animal description, location, and witness names.
  • Follow medical advice immediately for wound care and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis if recommended.
  • Cooperate with DOHMH investigators for quarantine, observation, or testing instructions.
  • If fines are assessed, payment instructions will be provided by the enforcing agency; fee amounts are not listed on the DOHMH pages.

How to Report and What to Expect

When you report an animal bite in Brooklyn, DOHMH will record the incident, advise on medical steps, and determine whether the animal requires quarantine or testing for rabies. The DOHMH rabies information page summarizes public-health concerns and steps for exposed persons and animals but does not specify enforcement fines or appeal deadlines in the public-facing guidance.[2]

If you are bitten, prioritize medical care, then report the incident to DOHMH or 311.

FAQ

How do I report an animal bite in Brooklyn?
Seek medical care immediately and report the bite to the New York City Department of Health via 311 or the DOHMH online reporting page. Provide location, animal description, and owner details if known.[1]
Will the animal be quarantined?
DOHMH determines quarantine or observation requirements based on the investigation; quarantine is a common public-health measure but the DOHMH page does not list exact quarantine lengths or procedures.[2]
Do I need rabies shots after a bite?
Treating clinicians determine need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis; DOHMH provides guidance on rabies risk and prevention but clinical decisions are made by health-care providers.

How-To

  1. Seek urgent medical evaluation for wound care and rabies risk assessment.
  2. Report the bite to 311 or use the DOHMH "Report an Animal Bite" page to start an investigation.[1]
  3. Collect and preserve evidence: photos, names of witnesses, and any owner or animal information.
  4. Follow DOHMH instructions about quarantine, observation, testing, and any required follow-up.

Key Takeaways

  • Report bites quickly to DOHMH via 311 or the online report page to initiate investigations.
  • Preserve evidence and follow medical advice for rabies evaluation.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] DOHMH - Report an Animal Bite
  2. [2] DOHMH - Rabies information

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