Reading Animal Bite & Nuisance Bylaws

Public Safety Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

In Reading, Pennsylvania, residents must follow city rules for reporting animal bites and nuisance animals. This guide explains who enforces the rules, how to report bites, common nuisance abatements, and what to expect from enforcement and appeals. Use the official contacts and forms listed to report incidents promptly.

Reporting animal bites

If a person is bitten by an animal in Reading, contact emergency services if the injury is serious. Non-emergency bite incidents should be reported to the Reading Police Department - Animal Control for investigation and to determine quarantine or rabies observation requirements [2]. Preserve the animal if safe to do so and provide the responding officer with the owner’s information, the animal’s vaccination records if available, and witness names.

Call police for immediate public-safety risks; otherwise use the non-emergency animal control contact.
  • Contact Reading Police - Animal Control for reports and guidance [2].
  • Report bites promptly so quarantine or observation can begin without delay.
  • Provide vaccination records and witness statements to the investigator.

Nuisance abatement

Reading’s ordinances address persistent animal nuisances such as excessive noise, aggressive behavior, and unsanitary conditions. Abatement may begin after a complaint and investigation by animal control or code enforcement. The city may issue notices requiring corrective action, and continued noncompliance can trigger further enforcement or abatement procedures [1].

Document nuisance incidents with dates, times, and photos to support complaints.
  • File a nuisance complaint with Reading Police or the city code enforcement office.
  • Common nuisances: persistent barking, roaming animals, unsanitary premises, and aggressive conduct toward people or pets.
  • Investigations may include site inspections and owner interviews.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Reading enforces animal and nuisance rules through the police department and code enforcement. Specific fines, fee schedules, and escalation steps are not specified on the cited municipal page; see the City Code for exact penalties [1]. Reading Police - Animal Control handles immediate public-safety enforcement, quarantine orders, and seizure when necessary [2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the City Code for amounts and per-day provisions [1].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: corrective orders, animal seizure, mandatory quarantine, and abatement actions enforced by the city.
  • Enforcer: Reading Police Department - Animal Control and city code enforcement; complaint pathways include the police non-emergency line and online complaint forms [2].
  • Appeals/review: the municipal code or ordinance specifies appeal routes and time limits; if not listed on the enforcement page, see the City Code for appeal deadlines [1].
  • Defences/discretion: exemptions or defences such as permitted activities, medical necessity, or provocation may be provided in the ordinance text; check the City Code.
If you receive a notice, read it carefully for compliance deadlines and appeal instructions.

Applications & Forms

Specific city forms for animal bite reports, nuisance complaints, or abatement petitions are not published on the cited municipal code page; report bites to Reading Police - Animal Control and request any required forms from that office [2].

FAQ

How do I report an animal bite in Reading?
Contact Reading Police - Animal Control via the non-emergency line or the police department’s animal control contact to file a report and start any required quarantine [2].
Who enforces nuisance animal complaints?
Reading Police and city code enforcement investigate and enforce animal nuisance and public-health orders. See the City Code for ordinance authority [1].
What penalties apply for violating animal rules?
Penalty amounts and escalation are set in the City Code; specific dollar amounts are not specified on the cited municipal page and should be confirmed in the ordinance text [1].

How-To

  1. For severe injuries, call 911 immediately.
  2. Contact Reading Police - Animal Control to report the bite and request an investigation [2].
  3. Provide the victim’s and owner’s information, vaccination records, and witness contacts.
  4. Follow any quarantine, observation, or surrender orders issued by animal control.
  5. If you disagree with an enforcement action, follow the appeal process in the City Code or contact the enforcing department for instructions [1].

Key Takeaways

  • Report bites quickly to Reading Police - Animal Control to protect public health.
  • Abatement and enforcement follow city ordinance procedures; check the City Code for details.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Reading Code of Ordinances - Animals and Nuisance provisions
  2. [2] Reading Police - Animal Control contact and reporting information

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