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| Investigates incidents involving animal attack based injury or where animals cause citizens to be at risk. The duties of the Vicious and Dangerous Animal Unit now encompass the investigation of animals that have demonstrated a propensity for viciousness. Restrictions and behavior modification are remedies available to the VDAU but can be employed only if reports are made on such behavior.
Responding officers have the authority to impound ANY dog that threatens the health safety and welfare of the community. If the officer on scene of a dog bite feels that the safety of the public is best protected by having the dog impounded then the officers will contact Animal Care and Control for impound. Note: It must be made clear to Animal Care and Control that the officer at the scene has determined that the dog is a threat to public safety and is to be impounded and held pending a vicious and dangerous dog hearing.
The unit holds hearings:
When: Every Thursday
Time: 2:00pm
Where: City Hall Rm. 408
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If you feel that an animal is vicious and dangerous, you can file a vicious animal complaint form (click on the paw below) and send to Animal Care and Control
1200 15th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Upon receipt of the completed request, you will be notified by mail of a scheduled hearing.
Vicious And Dangerous Animal complaint form
Vicious And Dangerous Animals Unit
1200 15th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-554-9213
415-554-9214
Vicious and Dangerous Dog Hearing Information
The following information describes the procedures for a vicious and dangerous dog hearings:
What is the purpose of a Vicious and Dangerous Dog Hearing?
A vicious and dangerous dog hearing has two functions: (1) to determine whether the dog in question is “vicious and dangerous”, as defined by the San Francisco Health Code Section 42 (a) and (2) to adequately address the safety of the community.
When does the complainant have to file a request?
All requests for hearings should be filed as soon as possible after the incident, but within 30 days of the incident. If you are unable to comply please contact the Animal Bite Unit at (415) 554- 9422.
Who will review the request?
The Animal Bite Unit will review any and all request for a hearing. The complainant should be notified 2 weeks in advance of the scheduled hearing date. The complainant will receive a notice by mail of the location, time and date. If you cannot attend the hearing, you must contact us at (415) 554-9422 as soon as possible to cancel so that you can be considered for another hearing date. Hearings are typically not conducted without the testimony of the original complainant. Failure to provide your name and telephone number, the dog’s address and the description of the dog or failure to appear for a hearing without notice will result in the cancellation of the case.
When will the hearing be held?
As defined by the SF Health Code Section 42.3, unless the hearing is waived by the owner or keeper of the dog, or the hearing is scheduled on an agreed-upon date not later than 30 days from date of incident, the hearing officer shall fix a time not less than 30 nor more than 60 days from date of the incident. The dog owner or custodian must be notified not less than 15 days before the hearing date is scheduled.
How are these hearings conducted?
These hearings are informal and open to the general public. These hearings are not considered legal court cases; there will not be a judge and a jury and you will not be required to testify under oath. The hearing will be recorded.
Does the complainant need a lawyer for this hearing?
Legal representation is not required and we recommend that such services not be used during the hearing. If you feel that your legal representative should attend, please notify our office to allow us to make arrangements for the City and County to be represented by the City Attorney’s Office.
Who conducts these hearings?
The majority of these hearings will be presided over by a designated hearing officer (police officer) from the San Francisco Police Department and facilitated by the Animal Bite Unit of the San Francisco Animal Care and Control Department.
What evidence is presented at these hearings?
Only the testimonies of the complainants, dog owner(s) and interested parties will be presented at the hearing along with written statements, photographs, veterinarian reports, medical reports and other evidence. The owner of the dog will be requested to attend.
What decisions does the hearing officer make?
During the hearing it may be determined that the dog is not vicious and dangerous and the dog’s behavior can be controlled if the owner will obey the leash laws. The hearing officer may enforce these laws by requesting Animal Care and Control to issue citations and warnings to the dog owner. In the event the hearing officer concludes that there is good evidence the dog is vicious and dangerous and that the health, safety and welfare of the community is in jeopardy; the hearing officer may order that the dog be registered as vicious and dangerous. If a dog is declared vicious and dangerous, the dog owner must comply with a number of restrictions as designated in the San Francisco Health Code, Section 42.3(c)(ii). If the health, safety and welfare of the community is not adequately addressed by the requirements provided in Section 42.3(c)(ii), the hearing officer may order the dog destroyed. The hearing officer typically makes a written decision within two weeks.
Will the dog owner be notified of the hearing?
The owner of the dog will be notified in writing of the date and time for the hearing. Your name and address can be provided to the dog owner.
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