Overview
The Damage Claim Reimbursements program allows individuals to apply for reimbursement for damage caused to a domestic animal by a dog or coyote. The program aims to compensate individuals for damages caused by dogs or coyotes when the owner of the offending dog is unknown.
Laws
Dog Caused Damages (PDF)
Coyote Caused Damages (PDF)
How to apply
To get refunded for damages, you must file a written, signed complaint to the State Dog Warden. Do this within five business days of discovering your animal was damaged by a dog or coyote.
The complaint should include details such as:
- The time, place, manner of the damage
- the number and type of domestic animals damaged
- The amount of damage.
How the process works
Once the complaint is received, a State Dog Warden will investigate and examine the site of occurrence within 48 hours. Within ten business days, the Warden will issue either a dismissal of the complaint or a damage award.
The amount of reimbursement is limited to $10,000 for each domestic animal. Claims caused by a coyote will not exceed $20,000 annually.
Domestic animals that are covered by this law include:
- Any equine animal
- Any bovine animal
- Sheep
- Goat
- Pig
- Poultry
- Bird
- Fowl
- Confied hares, rabbits or mink
- Any wild or semiwild animal kept in captivity