Dog Bite Incidents in Marshfield: A Closer Look

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Recently, some unusual circumstances involving dog bites in Marshfield have brought the issue into the public eye. While the number of bites hasn’t increased, the nature of these incidents has prompted the Marshfield Police Department to remind residents of the importance of leash laws and responsible pet ownership.

Ordinance Officer Bob Larsen provided insights on how residents can keep themselves and others safe around dogs.

Leash Laws in Marshfield: Key Points

In Marshfield, the leash laws are clear: dogs must be on a leash when off their owner’s property. However, they are allowed to be off-leash in their own yard as long as they stay within the confines of the property. If they venture onto the sidewalk or off-property, they need to be on a leash.

“People have a right to use the sidewalk without being intimidated,” Larsen said. He adds that in many cases, the solution is for dog owners to keep their pets leashed on the property to prevent them from running up to the sidewalk.

Larsen also emphasized that dogs must be kept on a leash in parks and public spaces, as controlling pets in public spaces is crucial to avoiding potential incidents.

Handling Concerns About a Neighbor’s Dog

For residents who feel nervous about a nearby dog while out for a walk, Larsen suggests taking a proactive approach.

“If there’s a concern, residents can contact us, and we’ll talk to the dog owner. No one should feel intimidated while using public sidewalks,” he says. Larsen advises dog owners to be mindful of their pets’ behavior, particularly if the dog tends to run up to the sidewalk or appears aggressive.

He also stresses the importance of asking for permission before approaching or petting someone else’s dog – and to be aware of their own dog’s temperament towards others.

“People often think that because a dog is friendly to them, it will be friendly to others, but that’s not always the case,” Larsen noted. “Dogs can be spooked by little things, so it’s always safer to ask the owner first before petting if it’s not your dog.”

The Unpredictability of Dog Bites

Dog bites can occur in unexpected situations, even with dogs that are well-known to the person being bitten. “A lot of the recent bites have involved dogs biting people they know,” Larsen said. He shared that in one case, a person was bitten after reaching down to pet a dog while it was eating. These incidents highlight the reality that dogs, as animals, can be unpredictable.

Larsen advises that children playing with dogs should always be supervised by an adult. He also recommends that if a resident encounters a dog running at large or a dog that seems timid, it’s best to stay away and report the situation to the authorities.

“Be a smart owner,” he said. “If your dog isn’t 100% people-friendly, let others know.”

The Importance of Rabies Vaccination

A critical aspect of responsible dog ownership is ensuring pets are vaccinated against rabies and keeping the vaccination up to date.

“If a dog bites someone, it will be quarantined for 10 days, even if it’s vaccinated,” Larsen explained. He notes that if the dog is vaccinated, the quarantine can be done at home with restrictions, but it still requires three visits to a vet during that period. There is also a substantial quarantine fee if the dog bites and is not vaccinated.

Dog ownership comes with responsibilities that go beyond basic care. Adhering to the city’s leash laws, being mindful of how dogs interact with others, and ensuring pets are vaccinated are key to preventing incidents and maintaining a safe community. Dogs are animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable—responsible and considerate pet ownership is essential for everyone’s safety.

For more information or if you have a concern, please contact Marshfield Police Department.

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