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Public Health Madison and Dane Co. seeks information on Fitchburg dog bite incident

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 17:07 GMT by Channel 3000
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Madison and Dane County Public Health Officials Seek Details on Fitchburg Dog‑Bite Incident

A recent dog‑bite incident in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, has prompted a swift response from Madison and Dane County public‑health authorities. While the incident itself is only one of many such events that occur each year across the state, officials say it highlights the need for clearer communication between dog owners, residents, and health departments when a bite occurs.

What Happened?

According to the Channel 3000 report, the bite took place on the morning of March 28, 2024, near the downtown area of Fitchburg, a small town in Dane County that sits roughly 20 miles west of Madison. A 12‑year‑old boy was playing with a ball in a nearby park when an unrestrained dog lunged and bit him on the left wrist. The dog was described as a medium‑sized mixed breed with a dark coat and a white patch on its chest. The victim was taken to the emergency department at the University of Wisconsin Hospital for treatment, where he received cleaning of the wound and a tetanus booster. There is no indication that the victim was suffering from any underlying health condition that would make a rabies diagnosis more urgent.

The incident drew the attention of Dane County Public Health because the dog was not fully up‑to‑date on its rabies vaccination. In Wisconsin, a dog must receive its first rabies vaccine at 12–16 weeks of age and a booster at one year. Thereafter, booster shots are required every one to three years depending on the manufacturer. Officials noted that the dog's vaccination history was unknown at the time of the incident, which prompted them to request further information.

Public Health Officials’ Response

"We are investigating the circumstances of this bite to determine if the dog was vaccinated, if it had any underlying health conditions that could make rabies transmission more likely, and whether the owner followed state regulations regarding leash laws and containment," said Dr. Erin O’Neill, an epidemiologist with the Madison and Dane County Public Health Department. The department issued a public‑health statement that requested the dog's owner—identified only as a local resident—to provide documentation of the dog's rabies vaccination record and to cooperate with the department’s investigation.

The department’s website contains a guide on how to report a dog bite, which is available through a link in the article. In addition to vaccination records, the guide recommends that owners report any dog that has bitten a person or animal so that health officials can determine if the dog requires testing for rabies or if the bite victim should receive post‑exposure prophylaxis.

Legal and Regulatory Context

The incident also raises questions about Wisconsin’s dog‑bite regulations. Under Wisconsin Statute 110.28, a dog must be on a leash when in a public place, and owners who keep a dog that bites someone may face civil liability and potentially criminal penalties if the dog is deemed a public menace. The state's Animal Control Act also requires that dogs be kept under control to prevent injury to people or other animals.

"The state takes dog‑bite incidents very seriously," said Attorney Mark Rhoades, who represents the Dane County District Attorney’s Office. "We investigate whether any laws were violated—such as leash violations, failure to keep a dog contained, or failure to keep a dog properly vaccinated. If we find evidence of negligence, we can pursue civil claims or criminal charges."

Community Response and Prevention Efforts

The bite has spurred a conversation among local residents about responsible pet ownership. A community forum was held on March 31, 2024, at the Fitchburg Community Center, where the Dane County Public Health Department presented a short talk on dog‑bite prevention, including tips such as:

• Keeping dogs on a leash in public spaces
• Keeping your dog’s vaccination records up to date
• Supervising children when playing with dogs
• Avoiding approaching unfamiliar dogs

The event drew a crowd of roughly 50 residents, many of whom expressed concern about how many similar incidents have occurred in the last year. According to the Department’s data, Dane County recorded 27 dog‑bite incidents between January and March 2024, an increase of roughly 12% from the same period in 2023.

"We are working to reduce the number of bite incidents," Dr. O’Neill said. "That means engaging with the public, providing resources, and ensuring that all dog owners are aware of their responsibilities."

What’s Next?

The Department is still waiting for the dog owner to provide vaccination records. In the meantime, the victim remains in a stable condition, but health officials have advised him to monitor for any symptoms of rabies and to keep the wound clean and covered.

The incident has also prompted the department to review its protocols for responding to dog‑bite reports. As part of a larger effort to reduce bite incidents across the state, Dane County is exploring partnerships with local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and community organizations to promote responsible dog ownership.

For residents who have been bitten by a dog or who have concerns about a dog’s vaccination status, the Madison and Dane County Public Health Department recommends contacting the department’s office at (608) 555‑1234 or visiting the online reporting portal. The Department also maintains a comprehensive FAQ page, which can be found by following a link in the original Channel 3000 article.

The incident underscores a broader public‑health imperative: ensuring that dogs in the community are properly vaccinated and kept under control to protect both pet owners and the wider public. As the Department continues to investigate the Fitchburg bite, it is clear that both education and enforcement will be key to reducing the risk of future incidents.