The Sun Prairie Police Department announced on March 31 that it is investigating four separate incidents involving dogs found dead or severely injured in northeastern Dane County over the past three months. The department, working with Public Health Madison & Dane County Animal Services, said the cases involve pit bulls or similar breeds and has asked for public assistance.
The investigation concerns animal welfare and possible criminal activity, as three of the dogs were found deceased and one was euthanized due to severe injuries. Authorities are treating these incidents seriously and urge anyone with information to come forward.
According to police, the first incident occurred on December 29, 2025, when a young dark brindle female pit bull was found severely injured on Interstate 90/39 south of the U.S. Highway 51 interchange; she was later euthanized. On January 7, an adult pit bull wearing a red-and-black flannel vest was discovered dead on Highway 19 near Twin Lane Road. A third case took place on February 5 at a BP Gas Station at Main Street and Grove Street in Sun Prairie, where staff found a severely emaciated black and white female pit bull with a purple collar who may have been there for some time before being discovered. The fourth incident happened March 17 when a homeowner found an emaciated brown and black male pit bull deceased in the morning in the 100 block of Davidson Drive; he had not been there the previous evening.
Investigators are working to determine if these incidents are connected or if any of the dogs were related but say that is not yet known. “The department is treating these cases seriously and is asking the public for help,” said Lt. Ray Thomson of Sun Prairie Police Department.
Anyone with information about any of these incidents can contact the Sun Prairie Police Department’s anonymous tip line at (608) 837-6300.
