Full Notification

**1/26/2024 Update to Dog Attack**   The Janesville Police Department has concluded the investigation into this incident.  In April of 2023, the owner of the two German Shepherds was warned for City of Janesville Ordinance violation 8-3 Dog Running at Large.  At the time of the warning, the owner of the dogs took extra precautions to keep the dogs in their yard by installing a fence.    During the incident on January 24, 2024, it appears one of the German Shepherds was able to manipulate the latch mechanism to open the fence gate, thus allowing the dogs to escape. The investigation revealed no documented incidents of any previous attacks by the dogs.  It is unknown why the dogs exhibited aggressive behavior towards the citizens who called to report the dogs running at large, or our officers.  This morning the owner of the dogs received a citation for City of Janesville Ordinance violation 8-3, Dog Running at Large.    We are relieved our officer did not sustain more serious injuries from the dog attack.  At the same time, we are saddened that a member of our community lost their dog.  Even after being bitten by one of the dogs, our officer tried to back away from the dogs in hopes of de-escalating their aggression.  Unfortunately, the dogs continued advancing aggressively, and the officer was forced to defend himself from further attack.  This tragic outcome serves as a sad reminder for residents to ensure their dogs are properly secured while out of their homes.         Incident Number: J240331 Location: 1000 Block Beloit Ave By: Sgt. Thompson Date: 01/26/2024       Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3:6 Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   1000 Blk Beloit Avenue

On 1/24/24, at 5:08 A.M., Rock County Dispatch received a call from a citizen in regards to two German Shepherds trying to attack them. They were trying to get to their vehicle to leave for work; however, the dogs were extremely aggressive, so they were unable to do so.
 
A Janesville officer arrived on scene and got out of their vehicle. He was immediately met by the dogs acting aggressively. The dogs began to attack the officer and the officer was bit in the leg. The officer tried to disengage and create distance; however, the dogs continued to come after him. He eventually slipped and fell into a snow bank. The dogs continued to attack the officer.  The officer unfortunately had to shoot one of the dogs to stop them from attacking him. The officer fired one time, hitting one of the dogs. They then ran away. The dogs were deemed to be a danger to the community based on their actions towards the caller and the officer.
 
As other officers were coming into the area, both dogs were located and were still acting in an aggressive manner. A separate officer from the original shooting located the injured dog. The dog was unable to be contained due to its aggressive behavior and the officer was forced to shoot the dog. The dog tragically passed away on scene. The second dog was located and was still aggressive towards officers. Another officer was able to deploy their taser which was effective. The dog was contained and was taken to the humane society due to being vicious.
 
The officer involved suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
 
The incident remains under investigation.  More information will be released once the investigation is complete. 
 

Incident Number: JV2403331

Location: 1000 Blk Beloit Av

By: Sgt. Northrop

Date: 1/24/24

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3:6 Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.