If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Riverside County, you may find yourself wondering who is responsible for the investigation. Is it the police? The health department? Or animal control?
In Riverside, a dog bite investigation is a multi-agency effort, but the “boots on the ground” are almost always officers from the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS). Understanding how this process works—and who to call—is essential for your physical safety and your legal recovery.
1. The Lead Agency: Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS)
The RCDAS is the primary agency tasked with public safety regarding domestic animals. When a bite is reported, they initiate a formal case file.
- Primary Function: Their goal is to prevent the spread of rabies and ensure that “potentially dangerous” animals are identified and monitored.
- Jurisdiction: They cover the unincorporated areas of the county and most cities within it (such as Riverside, Jurupa Valley, and Moreno Valley) through service contracts.
- Contact: You can reach the RCDAS hotline at (951) 358-7387.
2. The Role of Law Enforcement (RPD and RCSD)
While Animal Services handles the animal’s behavior and health, the Riverside Police Department (RPD) or the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) may become involved under specific circumstances:
- Emergency Situations: If a dog is actively attacking or is loose and posing an immediate threat to a neighborhood, call 911.
- Criminal Negligence: If an owner intentionally set a dog on a victim or was flagrantly negligent (e.g., keeping a known aggressive dog in an unsecured yard), police may investigate for criminal violations under California Penal Code § 399.
3. The 2025 “72-Hour Reporting Rule” and Public Health
As of 2025, California law mandates that any animal bite requiring medical attention must be reported to the local health officer within 72 hours. In Riverside, this reporting is typically funneled through the Rabies Control Program.
Medical providers at facilities like Riverside University Health System are legally required to report these bites, but as the victim, you should follow up to ensure the report was filed. This report is a crucial piece of evidence for your personal injury claim.
The Investigation Process: What to Expect
Once a report is filed, a Riverside Animal Control Officer (ACO) will typically follow this protocol:
- The Interview: The officer will speak to the victim and witnesses to determine the circumstances. Was the dog leashed? Did the attack happen on public or private property?
- Vaccination Verification: The officer will visit the dog owner to verify rabies vaccination records and county licensing.
- Mandatory Quarantine: Under California law, any dog that bites a human must be quarantined for 10 days. This is usually done at the owner’s home (“home quarantine”) if the dog is current on shots and the yard is secure. If not, the dog may be held at a county shelter.
- Dangerous Dog Hearing: If the dog has a history of aggression or the bite was “severe,” the county may initiate a hearing to declare the animal “Potentially Dangerous” or “Vicious” under Riverside County Ordinance 630.
Local Contact Directory for Riverside Victims
- RCDAS Dispatch — General reporting & investigations: (951) 358-7387
- Rabies Control — Health records & vaccine status: (951) 358-7345
- City of Riverside 311 — Reporting stray or aggressive dogs: Dial 311
- Emergency — Active attacks in progress: Dial 911
Why an Investigation Matters for Your Lawsuit
At Dog Bite Law Group, we use the results of the RCDAS investigation to build your case. The officer’s report often includes:
- Admission of ownership by the defendant.
- Photos of the dog and the scene.
- Previous “notice of complaints” against the same dog.
- Documentation of leash law violations.
Without an official investigation, it becomes your word against the owner’s. An official report from Riverside County makes it much harder for insurance companies to deny your claim.
Do you need help obtaining a copy of the Animal Services report for your accident? Let our Riverside team handle the paperwork for you.