Animal Care prioritizes public safety but does not have resources to prosecute most animal-on-animal violence, even fatal cases. However, intentional animal fighting is illegal and will be fully investigated and prosecuted.
What to Report (Call 311):
- All animal aggression, including:
- Dog-on-dog or dog-on-human bites (owners must provide their info per Penal Code 398)
- Loose dogs in the neighborhood (even if not aggressive)
- Any dog not on a leash (vocal control is not recognized)
- Wildlife attacks on pets (especially involving bats or skunks, due to rabies risk)
- If your pet is injured by another animal (domestic or wild), report the incident for documentation and potential follow-up.
Important Notes:
- Never attempt to break up a dog fight with your bare hands.
- Animal Care investigates all aggression cases and may seize animals deemed dangerous to public safety.
- Only a judge can order euthanasia; Animal Care may hold an animal until the owner proves they can securely contain it. All related fees are the owner's responsibility.