May 26, 2026
Media Contact: Mary Wainwright, Environmental Health Manager,
(757) 508-0970
Health Officials Seek Public’s Help Finding Dog That Bit Person in Newport News
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts are looking for a small gray, tan and black American pit bull terrier that bit a person near the 900 block of Shore Drive in Newport News on Friday, May 22.
If the dog is not found, the victim may have to undergo post-exposure treatment (shots) to prevent rabies. Once found, the dog will not be taken away from its owner, only placed on an in-home confinement period of 10 days.
Anyone who has seen an animal that fits this description in this area is asked to contact the appropriate Animal Control Office listed below:
Hampton: 757-727-6111
Newport News/Poquoson: 757-595-7387
Williamsburg/JCC: 757-565-0370 (daytime); 757-253-1800 (evenings, weekends, holidays)
York County: 757-890-3601
Residents are reminded to:
- Report all bite exposures.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance.
- Make sure family pets are vaccinated and protected against rabies.
Virginia state law requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated between 3 and 4 months of age and thereafter to maintain protection against rabies. Please contact your veterinarian for more information.
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