Where Can I Call to Report an Erie County Dog Attack or Dog Bite?
Reporting a Dog Attack in Erie County, Pennsylvania
If you or someone you know has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Erie County, reporting the incident promptly is one of the most important steps you can take — both for your safety and for protecting your legal rights. Official reports create a paper trail that documents the attack, identifies the responsible animal and its owner, and may trigger an investigation that results in the dog being declared dangerous.
Who to Call After a Dog Attack in Erie
Depending on where the attack occurred and the severity of the incident, you may need to contact one or more of the following:
- Erie City Police Department: For attacks occurring within the City of Erie limits — (814) 870-1125. Serious attacks should be reported to police regardless of whether animal control is also notified.
- Erie County Dog Warden: The county dog warden handles licensing violations, dogs running at large, and dangerous dog complaints throughout Erie County. Contact through Erie County government offices.
- Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement: The state-level enforcement agency can be reached through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for matters involving enforcement of the statewide Dog Law.
- Erie County Humane Society: While primarily an animal welfare organization rather than a law enforcement agency, the Humane Society can provide assistance and may coordinate with dog law officials for certain reports.
What Information to Have Ready
When making your report, try to provide:
- The location and time of the attack
- A description of the dog (breed, color, size)
- The name and address of the dog’s owner, if known
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
- Your own contact information
- A description of your injuries
Why an Official Report Supports Your Legal Claim
An official report provides independent documentation of the attack that cannot be disputed by the dog’s owner. It also starts the clock on a potential dangerous dog investigation. The Erie dog bite attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. regularly work with law enforcement and animal control records when building dog attack cases. If you’ve been injured, contact us for a free consultation.
