This Day in History: 1939-06-27
A mad dog broke away from a leash at the home of Elizabeth Wastog on First Street in Mahwah. Before he could be destroyed by police he had bitten four persons, a dog, and a calf. The WPA workers on a project near Airmount Road were the first to be attacked. Later France Haight of Hillburn Rd. was attacked and a dog owned by Mrs. A. L. Jacobson, and a calf belonging to R. A. Retz were attacked before officer Ted Wickham shot him. The head was sent to Bergen Pines for testing. Township Health Inspector, Dr. J. F. Liddy treated the human victims. Chief of Police Charles E. Smith urged that anyone else who might have been bitten come forward for treatment. He reminded residents that dogs were not allowed to run loose. (Bristow)