When a dog bite occurs in New Jersey, it often triggers more than just a trip to the emergency room. In many cases, animal control is called — and their involvement sets off a formal process that includes investigation, quarantine, and potential legal consequences for the dog’s owner.
These steps aren’t just procedural — they are legally mandated under New Jersey law to protect public health, assess the risk posed by the dog, and ensure victims have access to the information they need if they decide to pursue a legal claim. Understanding how animal control handles these incidents is crucial for both victims and dog owners.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we’ve helped countless clients navigate the legal aftermath of serious dog bite injuries. Whether you’re trying to protect your rights as a victim or facing an animal control inquiry as a pet owner, this guide will help you understand exactly what happens when animal control gets involved in a dog bite case in New Jersey.
1. Immediate Actions After a Dog Bite
A. Reporting the Incident
The first step after any dog bite in New Jersey should be to report the incident to your local animal control agency or municipal authorities. Reporting is not just a formality — it ensures the incident is documented and initiates the public health protocols designed to prevent further harm.
Anyone can report a dog bite — the victim, a witness, a concerned neighbor, or a medical professional who treated the injuries. In fact, under New Jersey law, healthcare providers are required to report animal bites to local health departments. Prompt reporting helps authorities assess the risk, track dangerous behavior, and make sure the dog is properly quarantined and vaccinated.
B. Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention is just as important as reporting. Dog bites can lead to serious infections, nerve damage, or scarring — and even if the injury seems minor, there’s always a risk of rabies or tetanus. That’s why doctors often ask about the dog’s vaccination history and may administer preventive treatment if there’s any uncertainty.
From a legal standpoint, getting prompt medical treatment also creates a clear record of your injuries, which can be essential if you later decide to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
2. Role of Animal Control
A. Investigation Process
When animal control is notified about a dog bite in New Jersey, they launch an investigation to determine exactly what happened. This typically involves speaking with the victim, the dog owner, and any witnesses who may have seen the attack. Officers also request documentation such as the dog’s rabies vaccination records and may examine the animal to assess its behavior.
One of the main goals of this investigation is to evaluate whether the dog poses an ongoing threat to public safety. If the dog has a history of biting or aggressive behavior, or if the injuries were severe, animal control may escalate the case for further legal action.
B. Determining Risk
New Jersey law gives animal control officers and municipal courts the authority to classify a dog as “potentially dangerous” or “vicious” under certain conditions. This classification isn’t made lightly. Officials consider key factors such as:
- Whether the bite was provoked
- The severity of the injury
- Whether the dog has attacked before
- If the dog killed or seriously injured another animal
These findings play a major role in determining whether the dog should face restrictions or whether the case should proceed to a dangerous dog hearing.
3. Quarantine Procedures
A. Mandatory 10-Day Quarantine
Under New Jersey law, any dog that bites a person must be quarantined for 10 days to monitor for signs of rabies. This quarantine is required even if the dog appears healthy and is up to date on vaccinations. The purpose is to protect the bite victim and prevent any potential public health risk.
The quarantine may take place at the owner’s home, an animal control facility, or a veterinary hospital — depending on the local municipality’s rules and the specific circumstances of the incident. During this time, the dog must be isolated and observed for changes in behavior or signs of illness.
B. Health Monitoring During Quarantine
Throughout the 10-day quarantine, animal control or health officials keep track of the dog’s condition. If the dog shows no symptoms of rabies or infectious disease during the observation period, it may be cleared for release and returned to its owner.
However, if any health concerns arise during quarantine — or if the dog cannot be located for observation — more serious actions may be taken, including testing for rabies and notifying the victim for follow-up care.
The outcome of this quarantine can influence whether further legal steps are taken, especially if the dog is found to be unvaccinated or poses an ongoing danger.
4. Legal Implications for Dog Owners
A. Strict Liability in New Jersey
New Jersey follows a strict liability statute for dog bites — specifically outlined in N.J.S.A. § 4:19-16. This means that a dog owner is legally responsible for any injuries their dog causes by biting a person, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggression.
There’s no “one bite free” rule in New Jersey. Even if it’s the first time the dog has bitten someone, the owner can still be held liable, so speak to a dog bite lawyer if you were affected. This law is designed to protect the public and ensure that victims can recover damages without the burden of proving negligence.
B. Fines and Penalties
Beyond civil liability, dog owners may also face municipal fines or court-imposed penalties if their failure to properly control the dog contributed to the bite incident. These fines can be steep — in some cases up to $2,000 per day — especially when local leash laws or licensing requirements were ignored.
If the court finds that the dog poses an ongoing risk, additional requirements may be imposed, including fencing mandates, warning signs, or mandatory muzzling when in public.
C. Dangerous Dog Proceedings
In more severe cases, animal control may pursue a “dangerous dog” or “vicious dog” designation through the local court. If granted, the owner could be legally required to follow strict safety protocols — such as building a secure enclosure, using restraints, or carrying extra liability insurance.
In extreme cases where a dog has killed or severely injured someone without provocation, the court may even order euthanasia. These proceedings are serious and often arise when a dog has a documented history of aggression or when the attack results in catastrophic injury.
5. Impact on Victims
A. Compensation Options
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation — even if the dog had never shown signs of aggression before. Thanks to the state’s strict liability law, victims can file a personal injury claim without needing to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent.
One of the most valuable tools in these cases is the animal control report. These reports contain key evidence such as vaccination records, witness statements, and the investigating officer’s findings — all of which can help establish the dog’s history and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, follow-up treatment, surgery)
- Lost wages (if you were unable to work during recovery)
- Pain and suffering (for physical and emotional trauma)
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Future medical care or rehabilitation
B. Importance of Documentation
If you’re considering legal action, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photos of your injuries, saving medical records and receipts, and writing down everything you remember about the incident. If animal control visited the scene, request a copy of their report and keep it with your case file.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we guide clients through every step of the recovery process — helping them gather documentation, evaluate damages, and build a strong claim to pursue full and fair compensation.
6. Preventative Measures for Dog Owners
A. Proper Training and Socialization
Dog owners play a critical role in preventing bite incidents before they happen. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk is through early training and socialization. Dogs that are exposed to different people, environments, and situations from a young age are less likely to react aggressively when they feel startled or threatened.
Obedience training — especially commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” — can help owners maintain control in unpredictable situations. For dogs with anxious or reactive tendencies, working with a professional trainer or behaviorist can make a meaningful difference.
B. Vaccinations and Licensing
Keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date is not just smart — it’s the law. In New Jersey, rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs, and proof of vaccination is essential in the event of a bite. Unvaccinated dogs involved in an attack may face extended quarantine or testing, which can be traumatic and costly for both the dog and the owner.
In addition, dogs should be licensed with the local municipality, which helps authorities identify pets quickly if they’re involved in an incident. Failing to license your dog can result in fines and complicate legal proceedings after a bite.
C. Responsible Ownership Practices
Many dog bite cases are preventable with simple precautions. Always use a leash in public spaces, even if your dog is well-behaved. At home, ensure your yard or fence is secure, and never leave your dog unattended around children or unfamiliar guests.
Responsible ownership also means being honest about your dog’s behavior. If your pet has shown signs of aggression or fear-based reactivity, take proactive steps to manage their environment and avoid risky situations.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we believe that education and accountability can go a long way in keeping our communities safe — while also protecting the rights of victims when accidents occur.
Know Your Rights, Protect Your Community
When animal control is called for a dog bite in New Jersey, the response is structured, thorough, and governed by law. From mandatory quarantines and public safety evaluations to potential legal consequences for dog owners, the process is designed to protect the community — and ensure that victims have a clear path toward recovery.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, understanding your rights is the first step. At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we are committed to standing by injury victims during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Our team will help you evaluate your options, secure vital documentation like animal control reports, and pursue the compensation you deserve — for medical bills, lost income, and the pain you’ve endured.
Likewise, for dog owners, knowing the laws and taking proactive steps can prevent devastating consequences. Training, vaccination, and responsible control are more than just best practices — they’re your legal and moral responsibility.
If you need legal guidance after a dog bite incident, we’re here to help. Contact The Law Offices of Peter Briskin at (908) 279-7979 to schedule your free consultation. With offices across New Jersey and New York, we’re with you every step of the way.
