Mad dog rampages from Freedom to Russell

Aggressive immunization of domestic pets has for the most part removed rabies as something most Lucas Countyans need to worry about these days, but that was not yet the case in 1925.

In early June, an especially aggressive mad dog began attacking motorists (and others) in the southern tier of townships, commencing near Freedom in Warren and concluding near Russell, in Washington.

Here's the report, published under an imaginative headline, from The Chariton Leader of June 9, 1925:

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The rabies have been so prevalent for months past it would seem any notice of rabid dogs is commonplace and uninteresting, but on Saturday there was a scare of the usual kind. Reports were sent over the telephone that a mad dog was rampant and was running wild all the way from Freedom to Russell.

Many people had seen him, a fine Airedale, and several reported that they had been attacked by the ferocious beast while passing along the highway in their automobiles. He would leap from cover, snap at the tires, and on one occasion lit squarely in an automobile, frantically snapping at anything in sight, but fortunately did not come in contact with the occupants.

In his rounds, Dr. Purdue, the veterinarian at Russell, warded off two attacks by the beast, while throughout the day reports came in from varying places of the frantic acts of the Airedale. A posse was organized, all provided with mad dog armor, and a determined effort made to end the reign of canine terror.

He was overtaken at the W. R. Relph place, in Washington township, and was compelled to bite the dust from a volley charge and was placed under earth where he could do no more harm. The dog had come from Marion county as it had a Knoxville tag on its collar. This Marion county case is about the worst contended with during the scourge, and what results may follow can only be conjectured. The owner of the dog is at liberty to make requisition for the body at any time should he have any Airedale sentiments hovering about his vacant kennel.

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Results from state laboratory tests during 2018 show that 10 carcasses tested positive for rabies in Iowa during 2018 --- nine bats and one cow. Although the danger of contact with a rabid animal is slight, bat bites now are the most likely of all possibilities. But other mammals also are potential carriers --- skunks, coyotes, foxes and raccoons. So no matter how cute that wild critter may be, it's best just to leave it alone if encountered.