If I Report a Dog Bite, What Happens to the Dog?

By Jason Bottlinger on October 10, 2022

Like pet owners across the country, people in Nebraska love our dogs. Pets make wonderful companions for you and your family. But dogs are animals, and when not properly cared for, a dog can severely harm people.

Nobody in their right mind wants to hurt a dog. And Nebraska law holds dog owners completely responsible for the harm their dogs cause. In most cases, a dog that has attacked a person will be quarantined for ten days. But the owner may be allowed to quarantine the dog at home if it has all its shots.

Dogs are almost never put to sleep in Nebraska for harming someone. This only occurs in rare situations where the dog has severely harmed or killed someone. In all cases, owners have the right to go before a judge and appeal any decision.

What Happens When a Dog Bites Someone?

If an unprovoked dog attacks a person, the dog will be quarantined for ten days. If the victim is trespassing or it’s determined that they were teasing or abusing the dog, then charges probably will not be imposed on the dog’s owner.

All pets that bite someone must be quarantined for ten days. This is done to check for rabies and make sure the dog isn’t normally violent. Dogs will be quarantined by the Nebraska Humane Society or by a housing veterinarian.

Dogs may also be quarantined at home under the following circumstance:

• The bite isn’t severe
• The dog’s shots are current
• The dog hasn’t been previously classified as a dangerous dog by authorities

Holding Dog Owners Responsible

Nebraska has a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites. Owners can face serious fines if their dog harms, chases, or frightens people. Most dogs are naturally friendly. And when they threaten or harm someone, it’s often because the animal has been mistreated by its owner.

When it comes to protecting people from dog bites, our lawmakers in Nebraska put responsibility on the other end of the leash, where it belongs. That’s why our irresponsible dog owner law penalizes chronically negligent dog owners whose behavior often causes dogs to become dangerous.

When dogs are mistreated, not properly socialized, or allowed to roam free, reckless dog owners can face heavy fines, be forced to relinquish their dogs, and not be allowed to own a dog for up to three years. When mistreated or poorly supervised dogs are removed from the custody of their owners, local volunteers and the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) do everything they can to find good homes for them.

People who work in animal control love and care about animals. Many of them have adopted previously mistreated dogs. In Nebraska, law enforcement and animal control officials work to hold cruel and careless dog owners responsible for the harm they cause.

Were You Harmed by a Poorly Treated Dog?

Over 800,000 people require medical treatment for dog bites every year, and the victims are often children. If you or a loved one was harmed by a dog, the medical expenses can be overwhelming.

At Bottlinger Law, L.L.C., our experienced Omaha dog bite attorney will help you get the money you need to get better by filing a claim against the owner’s insurance company.

Call (402) 505-8234 to schedule a FREE consultation today. At Bottlinger Law, L.L.C., we’re here to help.