Knowledge Base

How do I report an animal bite?

Category: Animal Bites

If an animal has bitten a person, it must be reported to the Thornton police or animal control. If the skin on the person is broken, a bite report is required. The animal will either be closely confined by its owner or impounded by animal control, at the election of an animal control officer.

To report an animal bite, call Thornton Communications Center non-emergency number, 720-977-5150, or if an emergency exists call 9-1-1. For questions call Thornton Police Department at 720-977-5250.

The quarantine period shall not be less than ten (10) days, depending on the type of animal and the situation. For dogs and cats in good health, the quarantine period will be ten (10) days. If the animal is inoculated for rabies during the ten (10) day quarantine, an additional ten (10) days will be required. If the animal is impounded for quarantine, the owner is responsible for all fees. The owner can be issued a summons if the bite was a result of an unprovoked attack either on or off its property.  

Aggressive Animals City Code (external link)

Animal Attacks City Code (external link) 

Updated 7/18/2023 9:10 AM
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