How to report a dog attack in your Topeka neighborhood

Matthew Self
·2 min read

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Finding yourself face-to-face with a vicious dog can be a frightening experience, but it doesn’t need to be something you deal with alone.

The City of Topeka maintains resources to help people dealing with animal-related problems, including those who are on the receiving end of dog attacks. For many of these instances, the city encourages people to get in touch with Animal Control officers.

The reporting process for Animal Control changed recently, according to the city’s last weekly report. If you’re being attacked by a dog or see someone who is being actively attacked, you’re encouraged to call 911. Non-emergency situations involving dangerous dogs can be solved by calling 785-368-9203 to reach Animal Control Dispatch.

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The Topeka Police Department keeps a list of procedures to follow in the aftermath of a dog bite incident. These include:

  • Contact your physician or seek medical treatment for your injuries.

  • If the animal that bit you is loose, an Animal Control officer will attempt to capture the animal and notify the owner if possible. In certain situations, a citation may also be issued.

  • The owner of the dog will sign a quarantine with Animal Control notifying the Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) of the situation.

  • The SCHD will then examine the animal at the end of the quarantine period which usually lasts 10 days. You can call health officials for results of the examination at 785-251-5600.

  • Animal Control will try to find the animal and its owner following a bite report. However, this is not always possible.

  • If Animal Control can’t find the animal in question, it will urge the victim to contact the SCHD at 785-251-5600 and your health provider for advice.

  • The victim of a dog bite may register a citation with an Animal Control officer by calling 785-368-9203. In certain circumstances, a dog can be seized and impounded on dangerous dog charges.

  • For follow-up information from law enforcement, call the Animal Control Office. Normal business hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information on animal-related issues in Topeka, click here.

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