The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin has announced that it is conducting an investigation into the death of a golden retriever in rural Waupun.
The investigation ignited after an extremely disturbing social media post went viral, making horrific accusations about the dog’s death. Read the post here.
Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt’s news release is titled, “Death Investigation of a Dog in Rural Waupun.”
“The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting a death investigation into the death of a dog in the town of Chester. At 7:02pm on June 17, 2025, an incident was reported on Oakwood Rd which resulted in the death of a Golden Retriever. Deputies have been following up since last evening and have been working on the case throughout the day today,” it read on June 18.
“Because this investigation is still active, no additional information can be released. Additional will be provided to the community when it has been determined that released of information will not negatively impact the investigation or potential legal process that may follow,” the release notes.
“The sheriff’s office understands that there is considerable interest in this case by the community and the desire for additional information to be released, but we ask the community’s patience as we determine the facts of the case,” Schmidt wrote.
The Dodge County Humane Society posted photos of the dog to Facebook on June 17 and wrote, “Do you know me?! Dog with no microchip found on Hwy 49 on the Horicon Marsh. Currently with the township of Chester. Please contact us with any information.”
The Humane Society has posted additional details in response to questions on the comment thread.
A person asked, “So why didn’t you guys take the dog since it is in Dodge County?”
Responded the Humane Society: “I can speak for everyone when I say in hindsight, we wish we would have. However, each municipality dictates how their stray animals are handled. Town of Chester has appointed one of their elected officials to act as animal control for the township versus working with us. Hopefully they will change this going forward.”
The Humane Society posted a quote by Immanuel Kant that reads, “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”
“Update on the Stray Dog Found at the Marsh. We know many of you are looking for updates on the stray dog found yesterday at the marsh, and we truly appreciate your concern and compassion. Please know that we are working closely with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office as they investigate this case,” the Humane Society wrote.
“These processes take time and must be handled thoroughly and lawfully. We’re incredibly grateful to be part of a community that speaks up for animals. However, we kindly ask that you do not call or email the Dodge County Humane Society or the Sheriff’s Office for updates or to request further action – both agencies are actively doing all they can,” it adds.
“What you can do to help right now is continue sharing the dog’s photo so we can hopefully identify its owner. Our hearts are heavy – for this dog, for the kind person that found them, and for everyone in our community who feels the pain of animals we can’t always reach in time. Thank you for standing with us.”
