Dog bite incident in St. Thomas on January 16

Southwestern Public Health is seeking help to identify a dog involved in a bite incident in St. Thomas.

The incident took place on January 16, 2025, at Manor Road location in St. Thomas around 5 p.m.

A dog owner, estimated to be in her 60’s using a red and black walker and wearing a dark hat, a dark grey or dark blue ski-jacket with a belt and a large puffy collar, was observed by witnesses to be walking with her leashed dog. The dog’s leash, observed to be long and reflective in nature, became entangled in a wheel on the walker causing the dog owner to fall onto the sidewalk.

When a witness approached to assist the fallen woman, the dog reacted protectively and bit the witness on the arm. The dog owner called the dog off, and the dog immediately obeyed, showing no further aggression. The dog’s owner may not have realized that her dog had bitten someone.

The driver of a white car assisted the dog owner and placed the dog inside her vehicle.  Other witnesses may have stopped to assist in this situation and may have more information to assist Public Health.

The dog is described as a healthy-looking, medium-to-large mixed breed, approximately 60–65 pounds with longer dark beige, black, and some white hair on it’s body. It’s face shape and nose may resemble that of a German shepherd breed or mix.

Public Health wants to confirm the vaccination status of the dog to allow the victim and their health care provider to determine next steps related to rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

If you are the owner of the dog or have information about the incident, please contact Southwestern Public Health at 1-800-922-0096 and ask to speak with a Public Health Inspector.