Published on September 08, 2025
Tompkins County Whole Health’s Environmental Health Division (EH) must locate a dog(s) that bit a person and their dog on Sunday, August 31, 2025, between 9am-10am, in the vicinity of 103-105 Birchwood Drive and 1426-1430 Hanshaw Road (Town of Ithaca). The biting dogs ran out from what looked to be the backyard that was in between 103 and 105 Birchwood Drive, but they also could have come back from the houses whose backyards join with them (either 1426 or 1430 Hanshaw Road).
The biting dogs are described as mid-sized, one black lab with a pink collar, and one that appeared to be a Dalmatian or Dalmatian mix (white with dark spots), with possibly a yellow collar. The dogs appeared well-cared for and fairly young. No people came out after the incident occurred, so it is believed that the owners may be unaware this happened.
EH seeks to monitor the health of the biting dog through an at home observation over a ten-day period. If the dog can be located and observed to be healthy by EH, the risk of rabies infection can be ruled out and rabies post-exposure treatment for the person who was bitten will not be necessary.
Anyone with information regarding this dog is urged to call EH at (607) 274-6688. Staff are available at this number to take calls related to rabies and bites, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We would like to remind the public the importance of reporting bites to EH as soon as possible to determine if rabies post-exposure treatment is needed. It is also important to exchange contact information when a bite occurs. This allows EH the opportunity to verify the health of the animal after a 10-day observation period and rule out the possibility rabies was transmitted from the bite.
Tompkins County Whole Health reminds everyone to:
Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals.
All cats, dogs and ferrets must have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four months of age. Keep vaccinations current! If your pet needs to be vaccinated, register online at our website for our next free rabies vaccination clinic, to be held on Saturday, Sept. 27th, in Ithaca. For other free or low-cost rabies vaccine programs, contact the local chapter of the Street Dog Coalition or the Cornell Healthy Pet Clinic held at Ithaca’s Southside Community Center (305 S. Plain St., Ithaca).
Report the following incidents to Tompkins County Environmental Health at 607-274-6688:
All animal bites or scratches.
Any human or pet contact with saliva or other potentially infectious material (brain tissue, spinal tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid) of wild animals or any animal suspected of having rabies.
All bat bites, scratches, or direct contact. Also report instances when a bat has been in a room with a sleeping person, a small child, a person under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if the person has a sensory or mental impairment.
Further information can be found on our website: TCWH Environmental Health - Rabies Program
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
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