The neighbor's dog bit my kid. I don't want to get his dog taken away, but he has to keep it under better control.

THE FIRST STEP:

Make sure your neighbor knows what happened. He'll probably be eager to set things right. If it was an unprovoked accident, no serious harm was done (no blood or broken skin), and the dog was fully vaccinated, try to take the high road and let it go.

If the dog was running loose at the time of the incident, remind your neighbor about local leash laws. Most towns require dogs to be under restraint when they are off their owner's property. The city's animal-control agency can impound a loose dog and fine the owner.

THE LAST RESORT: If you feel you have to report the incident, call your local health department. Usually it decides what will happen to the animal after the incident. According to Laura Hollin, public information manager at the ASPCA in New York City, the most severe punishment would be putting the dog to sleep if it's vicious or has rabies. The owner can also be taken to civil court and sued for damages.