If you or a loved one have been bitten by a stranger’s dog in Ohio, you’re probably feeling a mix of emotions: shock, pain, anger, fear. It’s natural to start asking questions like “Can you put a dog down for biting?” to protect yourself and others from further harm.
Our dog bite team has helped countless Ohioans in situations similar to yours. We understand how overwhelming a dog bite can be, especially if you are a pet lover yourself. Here’s what you need to know about Ohio’s dog bite laws around euthanasia.
Who Determines If A Dog Gets Euthanized in Ohio?
After a bite, you might be thinking, “Can you put a dog down for biting?” Unfortunately, it’s not that simple—Ohio law does not allow victims to request or demand euthanasia of a dog after an attack.
The determination is made by local authorities such as the dog warden, health department, or police department, who will consider several factors, including:
- The dog’s history of aggression. Has it bitten before?
- The severity of the bite. How badly were you hurt?
- The location of the incident. What are the local laws around dog attacks?
While the decision is not in your hands, by immediately reporting and documenting the dog bite, you make it more likely that appropriate actions are taken to prevent further harm.
How to Inform Local Authorities of a Dog Bite Incident
Step 1: Seek immediate medical attention
The first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor. Dog bites can become infected, and you may need stitches or even a rabies shot.
Documenting your injuries with photos and medical records is also a must if you plan on seeking compensation from the dog owner later. As dog bite lawyers, we’ve seen many victims struggle to build a case simply because they didn’t capture this evidence immediately.
Step 2: File a police report
Contact your local police department to file a report—you can do this online, over the phone, or in person. By creating an official record of the incident, you increase the likelihood that the dog owner will be held accountable.
As someone who has guided many clients through these steps, I know that contacting police can feel daunting. However, it’s an essential step in ensuring legal rights if you decide to seek compensation later on.
Step 3: Contact the dog warden
In Ohio, dog wardens are officials appointed by local governments to handle animal control and related public safety concerns. They’re responsible for managing situations involving stray and dangerous animals, including dogs that have bitten people.
The dog warden will:
- Verify if the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccines. Getting rabies is the last thing you need in your healing journey. Knowing the dog’s vaccination history will determine the necessary medical response.
- Report the incident to the county board of health. This report becomes part of the public health records and is essential for tracking and managing public safety risks related to animal behavior.
Step 4: Reach out to the county board of health
If there is no dog warden in your area, report the dog attack to the County Board of Health. They will document the bite in the environmental and public health database for your county.
To make a report, contact your County Board of Health via their official website or through a direct call to their office. Most county websites provide detailed contact information and instructions on how to report animal bites.
What Happens After A Dog Bite is Reported in Ohio?
We know this is a stressful time for everyone involved. You’re healing from a bite, and you might be worried about what happens to the dog.
Here’s what typically happens in Ohio after a dog bite incident is reported:
- Quarantine. To make sure the dog is healthy and doesn’t have rabies, local rules might require it to be quarantined. This means the dog will be held for observation, either at an animal shelter or, in some cases, at the owner’s home under strict supervision.
- Investigation. Local authorities like animal control or the health department will want to understand what happened. They’ll talk to the dog’s owner, see if there were any past issues, and get the details about the bite itself.
- Dog evaluation. Sometimes, a professional will assess the dog’s temperament to determine how it behaves and how likely it is to bite again.
- Corrective measures. In many cases, there’s a chance for the dog to stay with its owner. This might involve things like training to address any behavioral issues, finding a new home that’s a better fit, or taking precautions when the dog is out in public (like wearing a muzzle).
- Decision on euthanasia. In very serious cases, especially if the dog has a history of aggression, the authorities might have to consider euthanasia for public safety. This is a difficult choice, and they won’t make it lightly.
What Legal Implications Do Dog Owners Face After A Dog Bite Incident in Ohio?
Ohio has what’s called a “strict liability” law for dog bites. This means the dog owner is generally responsible for your medical bills and other costs, even if it was the first time their dog has bitten someone.
Let’s break down what this means for you:
- Financial compensation for damages. You shouldn’t have to worry about affording treatment. Dog owners are usually required to compensate you for all medical expenses related to the dog bite, including hospital bills, costs for medication, and physical therapy. Typically, you don’t need to sue for this compensation—it will come out of their homeowner’s insurance. Call us at 330-762-0700 to discuss what the process might look like for your dog bite incident.
- Legal penalties and fines. Depending on the situation, there might be legal consequences for the dog owner. This could be fines if they broke leash laws, or if the dog was known to be dangerous and they didn’t take proper precautions.
- Possible civil lawsuits: In some cases, you might want to consider a lawsuit to recover additional damages, like pain and suffering or emotional distress, especially if the bite was severe or the owner acted irresponsibly.
Keep in mind that there are some exceptions to the strict liability rule. For example, if you were trespassing on the dog owner’s property or provoking the dog, you may not be able to recover damages. Learn more about when a dog owner is not responsible for a dog bite.
Get the Justice You Deserve
Dog bites can be shocking and leave you feeling hurt, both physically and emotionally. We get it. As personal injury lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand the impact these incidents can have.
This is a difficult time, and we want to support you however we can. Let us take care of the legal complexities and answer your questions, giving you peace of mind to concentrate on getting better.
Not sure if you have a case or are hesitant about taking legal action against someone you know? Give us a call at 330-762-0700—we’ve spent 30+ years advocating for victims of dog bites across Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many times can a dog bite before being put down?
- The decision to euthanize a dog for biting depends on the severity and circumstances of the incidents rather than a strict number of bites. Local Ohio dog bite laws and animal control policies usually guide these decisions, considering factors like the aggression level and previous behavior of the dog.
- If a dog bites someone, will it be put down?
- Not necessarily. The fate of a dog after a biting incident depends on various factors, including the severity of the bite, the dog’s history, and local Ohio dog bite laws. Authorities assess each situation individually to determine appropriate actions, which can range from mandatory training to euthanasia.
- How to get a dog put down for biting?
- To request the euthanasia of a dog for biting, you’ll need to first report the incident to the local police and dog warden. They will investigate and determine the appropriate action based on the severity of the bite, the dog’s history, and local Ohio dog bite laws.
- If a dog draws blood, does it have to be put down?
- Drawing blood alone does not automatically lead to a dog being put down. The decision involves assessing the context of the bite, the dog’s behavior history, and potential threats to public safety.
