Will the Dog Be Put Down If I Report the Bite in Michigan?

The fear that reporting a bite will cause the dog to be euthanized stops many Michigan victims from pursuing their case. Here’s the honest, complete answer.

The Short Answer

Almost certainly not for a first-time bite. Michigan animal control rarely orders euthanasia for first-bite incidents — typically the dog is placed in a 10-day rabies quarantine at the owner’s home and then released. Euthanasia is reserved for severe cases: prior bite history at the address, severe maulings, dogs already designated dangerous, or dogs exhibiting symptoms consistent with rabies. For most reported bites, the dog continues to live normally with its owner.

Video coming soon — Solomon Radner answers this question

The Detailed Answer

This is one of the most common reasons Michigan dog bite victims hesitate to report. People love dogs — even dogs that bit them, in many cases — and don’t want to be responsible for a dog being put down. The fear is understandable. The good news is that for first-time bites, euthanasia is very rare in Michigan.

What actually happens after most bite reports

Animal control investigates and identifies the dog
Rabies vaccination is verified
The dog is placed in a 10-day “home confinement” quarantine
An officer checks the dog at the start and end of quarantine
If the dog is healthy at the end of 10 days, the case closes
The dog goes back to its normal life with the owner

This is the outcome for the vast majority of reported bites in Michigan. The dog continues to live with the owner, and the only practical consequence is the 10 days of home confinement.

When euthanasia might happen

Court-ordered euthanasia in Michigan is reserved for specific circumstances:

Multiple prior bite incidents at the same address — when a dog has shown a pattern of aggression
Severe maulings causing serious injury or death — particularly when the dog continues to be unmanaged after the incident
Dogs with prior dangerous dog designations — under Michigan law, a “dangerous dog” that bites again can face euthanasia
Dogs exhibiting rabies symptoms — testing for rabies requires euthanasia and brain tissue examination
Dogs the owner chooses to surrender — some owners voluntarily euthanize aggressive dogs to protect others

See our guide on Michigan dangerous dog laws for more on how the dangerous dog determination process works.

Your civil claim does not cause euthanasia

This is an important distinction: your civil lawsuit for damages under MCL 287.351 is entirely separate from animal control proceedings. The civil case asks for money damages from the owner’s insurance. The animal control case decides what happens to the dog. You can pursue a full civil claim and still see the dog returned to the owner — these are different proceedings handled by different agencies.

The Stronger Argument for Reporting

If you’re worried about the dog, consider that NOT reporting a bite can actually be worse for the dog and for future victims. Without an official record, the dog’s owner has no documented history. If the dog bites again, the second victim is just as much in the dark. Animal control cannot intervene with training requirements, containment orders, or dangerous dog designations because they don’t know about the pattern.

Reporting creates accountability without typically causing euthanasia. Most owners take the bite report seriously, train the dog more carefully, and prevent future incidents. This is the outcome most likely to protect both the dog and future neighbors.

If the Dog Is At Genuine Risk

In rare cases when euthanasia is being considered, the dog’s owner is entitled to a hearing before any final decision. They can be represented by an attorney, present evidence, and contest the dangerous dog designation. Many of these proceedings result in containment requirements rather than euthanasia. This is the dog owner’s process — not the victim’s — and the victim’s wishes don’t typically control the outcome.

Bitten by a dog in Michigan? Call 1-800-LAWSUIT or request a free case review. No fee unless we win.