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Health Department seeks public's health in dog bite incident

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 13:15 GMT by The Daily News Online
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Health Department Launches Investigation into Dog Bite Incident in Northbrook

A recent dog bite that left a local resident with serious injuries has prompted the Northbrook Health Department to launch a full public‑health investigation, a move that could set a precedent for how the city manages animal‑related incidents. According to a detailed report published on The Daily News Online, officials are examining the incident’s medical, legal, and environmental aspects while seeking the cooperation of the public and the dog’s owner.

The Incident

On Monday, March 18, a 7‑year‑old girl was bitten on the left arm by a 10‑year‑old Golden Retriever named “Milo” at a corner of Maple Avenue and 3rd Street. The child was taken to Northbrook General Hospital, where she received stitches and a course of antibiotics to prevent infection. Hospital staff, in consultation with the Northbrook Health Department, determined that the bite was non‑penetrating but could potentially transmit rabies, a concern that underscores the need for swift action.

The victim’s parents reported that the dog had been roaming freely in the neighborhood earlier that afternoon. According to police statements, the dog had no visible injuries or signs of illness at the time of the bite, and the owner, Mrs. Linda Patel, did not immediately report the incident to authorities.

Public‑Health Response

The Health Department’s response was swift. Under the city’s “Dog Bite Reporting Act,” officials are required to investigate any suspected bite that could pose a risk of rabies transmission. The department has:

1. Requested the Dog’s Vaccination Records – The department’s spokesperson, Dr. Mark Reynolds, stated, “We’ve reached out to Mrs. Patel to obtain Milo’s most recent rabies vaccine certificate. Under state law, a valid certificate is required for all adult dogs that leave the property.” The city’s Animal Control Unit has issued a subpoena for the records, and the owner is expected to comply by March 31.

2. Contact Tracing – Officials are identifying any other potential bite victims or individuals who may have been exposed to the dog’s saliva. “We are using the hospital’s contact logs to determine who else might have come into contact with Milo during his roaming,” Dr. Reynolds added.

3. Rabies Testing – Milo will be taken for a veterinary exam and a rabies test to rule out infection. If the test comes back negative, the dog can be released to its owner under a “quarantine exemption” that lasts 21 days, the department explains.

4. Community Notification – An emergency bulletin has been sent to residents in the Maple Avenue neighborhood, reminding them of the importance of keeping pets leashed and ensuring their rabies vaccinations are current.

5. Legal Review – The department is coordinating with the Northbrook Police Department to determine whether Mrs. Patel’s failure to report the bite constitutes a violation of local ordinances. “There is a potential for misdemeanor charges if the dog was found to be unvaccinated or if she failed to take the dog into a licensed veterinary practice after the bite,” said Chief of Police, James Lopez.

What the City’s Laws Say

Northbrook’s Dog Bite Ordinance, codified in Chapter 12 of the Municipal Code, stipulates that pet owners must keep dogs on a leash or within a secured enclosure. It also requires that dogs be vaccinated against rabies and that owners report any bites or potentially dangerous behavior to the city’s Animal Control Unit. If a dog is found to have bitten a human, the owner faces a fine of up to $500 and may be required to provide proof of vaccination or have the dog quarantined.

The Health Department’s link to the city’s “Pet Health and Safety” page provides detailed instructions on how to obtain a rabies certificate, the schedule for routine vaccinations, and a downloadable checklist for pet owners. Residents are encouraged to review the page and to schedule their pets for a “pre‑season” vaccination series before the summer months.

Community Reactions

The bite incident has sparked conversation on social media and in local forums. Many residents expressed concern over dog control in the area, noting that several other pets have been reported to roam unsupervised. A petition calling for stricter enforcement of leash laws and a review of the city’s animal control budget has already gathered over 2,000 signatures.

Mrs. Patel, who initially denied knowledge of the bite, has since issued a statement via the city’s public relations office. “I am deeply sorry for what happened. I was unaware that Milo had bitten a child,” she wrote. “I have taken the dog to a veterinarian today and will cooperate fully with the Health Department’s investigation.”

How Residents Can Protect Themselves

The Health Department’s findings serve as a reminder of the importance of preventive measures:

• Vaccinate Your Pets – Keep your dog’s rabies shots up to date. The city offers discounted vaccines for low‑income families.

• Keep Dogs Leashed – Leash laws are in place for good reason; they protect both pets and the public.

• Report Suspicious Behavior – If a dog is acting aggressively or shows signs of illness, contact Animal Control.

• Seek Prompt Medical Care – Anyone who has been bitten should visit a medical provider immediately for evaluation and potential rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

• Educate Children – Teach kids how to safely approach animals and to respect their space.

Looking Ahead

The Northbrook Health Department plans to release a follow‑up report once Milo’s rabies test results are available. In the meantime, city officials are conducting a review of current dog‑control policies, with a proposal to increase enforcement during the upcoming summer months.

The incident underscores a delicate balance: ensuring public safety while supporting responsible pet ownership. As the investigation unfolds, residents can expect clearer guidelines and stronger community involvement to prevent future dog‑bite incidents.

For more information on dog bite prevention and rabies vaccination schedules, visit the Northbrook Health Department’s official website or the city’s “Pet Health and Safety” portal linked in the original article.