Animal Bite Investigations
In Ohio, it is the responsibility of every physician,
laboratory, or "anyone else having knowledge" to report bites within
24 hours to the local health department where the patient resides.
Local health departments are required to:
 | investigate reports of biting animals, and order those animals to be quarantined or killed and tested if they have bitten someone |
| make provisions for animal quarantine, euthanasia and testing as needed for unowned animals |
| claim the body of a biting dog and be sure it is tested for rabies |
| supervise the quarantine of biting animals |
| order quarantined animals to be examined by a veterinarian if sings or symptoms develop |
| require that biting animals (applies to dogs, cats, and ferrets) be current on rabies vaccination before release from quarantine |
If you (a family member, friend, etc.) have been bitten by an animal, whether owned or stray, you should contact the local health department. The health department will inquire about pertinent details needed to fill out the Animal Bite Investigation Form. A copy of this form can also be printed from Animal Bite Investigation Form and sent into the local health department.
Clinton County Health Department
111 S. Nelson Ave.
Wilmington, OH 45177
937-382-7251
After the animal bite has been reported, the Clinton County Health Department will send out a Confinement Notice informing the animal's owner of their legal requirements and the time frame to return all necessary information..
Owners of biting animals are required to: | confine the biting animal in a manner and in a time frame (10 days), as ordered by the local health department |
| notify the local health department immediately if the animal escapes confinement |
| pay all costs if animal is ordered quarantined in a pound or kennel |
| pay costs of veterinary examination and rabies immunization, as ordered by the local health department |
| provide proof that the biting animal is current on rabies immunization or have the animal immunized against rabies prior to release from quarantine |
After the 10-day confinement notice has been satisfied, and the animal has been observed by a veterinarian ( and vaccinated, if applicable), the Confinement Notice must be sent or taken back to the local health department. The local health department will review the required information and if all the information has been satisfied, the rabies investigation will be closed.
If the required information is not returned within the time frame stated on the Confinement Notice, legal proceedings may be initiated.