Bite Reports
Report a bite.
Two paths, one form.
For members of the public who were bitten, or whose animal bit someone, and for physicians, hospitals, and law enforcement who have a legal duty to report — both use the same official form.
Is this page legal advice?
General information only
This page is general information about Illinois animal-bite reporting requirements and the Marion County reporting process. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the full text of applicable state or federal law. Questions about how these requirements apply to a specific situation should go to your own counsel or compliance office.
How do I report an animal bite in Marion County, Illinois?
Use the online Marion County Illinois Animal Control Bite Report form, or call Marion County Animal Control at (730) 272-1071, or email [email protected], or visit 853 Woods Ln., Centralia, IL 62801, open seven days a week, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
What happens to the animal after a bite is reported?
The biting animal is confined for observation, generally for a period of not less than 10 days from the date of the bite, and examined and released from confinement by a licensed veterinarian under the Illinois Animal Control Act.
What fees apply to an animal bite in Marion County?
A $75 bite fee and a $25 public safety fine apply, and any quarantine period is billed as impoundment, under the county's published fee schedule.
Are physicians and hospitals required to report animal bites in Illinois?
Yes. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, 510 ILCS 5/13(a-15), any person having knowledge that a person has been bitten by an animal shall notify the Administrator, or the Deputy Administrator if the Administrator is not a veterinarian, within 24 hours. This duty is not limited to owners or witnesses; it applies to any person with knowledge of the bite, including a treating physician, nurse, or hospital.
Reporting deadline
The legal reporting deadline is within 24 hours. Please do not delay a report while waiting for complete animal-owner information. Provide the information available at the time of reporting.
What does 510 ILCS 5/13(a-15) say, word for word?
"Any person having knowledge that any person has been bitten by an animal shall notify the Administrator or, if the Administrator is not a veterinarian, the Deputy Administrator within 24 hours." — 510 ILCS 5/13(a-15), Illinois Animal Control Act.
Does HIPAA prohibit a hospital from reporting a bite to Animal Control?
No. The HIPAA Privacy Rule permits disclosure without patient authorization when the disclosure is required by law, under 45 CFR 164.512(a)(1), and separately permits disclosure to a public health authority authorized to collect the information to prevent or control disease, injury, or disability, under 45 CFR 164.512(b)(1)(i). A county animal control agency acting under the Illinois Animal Control Act is a public health authority for this purpose.
Patient authorization is not required when disclosure is required by law. A disclosure made to satisfy 510 ILCS 5/13(a-15) should stay within the scope of that legal authority and include only the information reasonably necessary to complete the bite report and support the county's rabies-control response.
Further HHS guidance on disclosures to public health authorities without patient authorization is published at hhs.gov — Disclosures for Public Health Activities.
What information does a bite report need?
- Bite victim's name and reliable contact information
- Date, approximate time, and location of the bite
- Animal species and description, if known
- Animal owner or caretaker name, address, and contact information, if known
- Location where the animal can be found or is being confined, if known
- Relevant circumstances of the bite and any other information needed to identify the animal and initiate rabies-control procedures
How do I reach Marion County Animal Control?
Marion County Animal Control is at 853 Woods Ln., Centralia, IL 62801, open seven days a week, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Address
- 853 Woods Ln.
Centralia, IL 62801 - Hours
- Seven days a week
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM - Phone
- (730) 272-1071
- [email protected]
- Administrator
- Whitney Purcell
This is general information, not legal advice
This page is general information about Illinois animal-bite reporting requirements and does not replace the full text of state or federal law. Questions about how these requirements apply to a specific situation should go to your own counsel or compliance office.