by Madison, Wisconsin — Police are investigating after a nonverbal high school student was allegedly fed dog food by a staff member at a Madison school, authorities confirmed.
The Madison Police Department said the incident, which reportedly occurred on February 13, was brought to officers’ attention on February 24 after the student’s parents contacted police around 9 a.m.
Special Victims Unit Leading Investigation
According to police, detectives with the department’s Special Victims Unit are now leading the investigation. Authorities are also working closely with the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), which has launched its own internal review.
Officials have not released the name of the staff member involved, but the district confirmed the employee has been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
In a statement provided to local media, MMSD said:
“The Madison Metropolitan School District takes student safety and well-being seriously. We have zero tolerance for actions that compromise student safety and well-being. When issues arise, we respond immediately and must also follow due process.”
The district added that privacy laws prevent it from sharing additional details at this time.
Parent Speaks Out
The student’s mother, Debra Hawkes, told local outlets that her son, Jaden — a freshman at Madison East High School — was given a can of wet dog food by a staff member.
Hawkes said she was shown a photo by school staff indicating that her son had eaten part of the dog food.
She described noticing changes in her son’s behavior following the alleged incident.
“His appetite changed, his attitude changed, it impacted him,” Hawkes said. “I know something happened, he just can’t say it.”
The student’s mother said she felt devastated and angry upon learning what allegedly occurred.
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“I was mad, I was sad, my heart was breaking. I was mad at everybody.”
District Reviewing Policies
MMSD stated that staff procedures and snack protocols are currently under review. The district also said additional training will be provided to employees to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We are committed to providing students with a safe learning environment,” the district said.
Officials have not confirmed whether any criminal charges will be filed as the investigation remains ongoing.
Police have not released further details, citing the active nature of the case.
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