July 15, 2026 Submitted By The Town Of Hingham
The Hingham Fourth of July Parade Committee, in consultation with the Hingham Select Board and the Hingham Police Department, is issuing this statement regarding a tragic incident involving a dog following this year’s Fourth of July Parade. We recognize that this is a deeply difficult and emotional situation for our community, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this loss.
The Hingham Police Department is actively and thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. The volunteer Parade Committee is cooperating fully and has provided all requested information, including official participant registration records and parade video footage.
Event Safety Protocols and Registration
For generations, the Hingham Fourth of July Parade has been one of our community’s most cherished traditions. To ensure the event is conducted safely for participants and spectators alike, the Parade Committee works in close partnership with the Hingham Police Department, Hingham Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Weir River Water System, and other Town departments.
As part of this partnership, a comprehensive public safety briefing is mandatory for all officially registered participating organizations before the parade begins. This briefing strictly reviews parade operations, participant responsibilities, pedestrian safety, emergency procedures, and explicit safety expectations regarding the adult supervision of children and animals.
Incident Response and Timeline
Throughout the duration of the event, Hingham Police officers, firefighters, parade officials, and other public safety personnel were stationed extensively along the parade route, fully equipped to respond to any emergency.
Based on the information currently available, no reports of a dog in medical distress were made to any public safety personnel, town officials, or parade monitors while the event was underway. Had a report of medical distress been made to any of the numerous personnel stationed along the route, public safety teams were present, trained, and fully prepared to intervene immediately.
Next Steps and Commitment to Safety
The Parade Committee reviews ways to make the parade safer each year, and we will fully incorporate the details of this event and the investigation’s findings into that ongoing safety review process. Following the completion of the Police Department’s investigation, the Town, Parade Committee, Police Department, and Animal Control will conduct a review of the findings.
The Hingham Fourth of July Parade Committee and the Town understands and shares the deep concern this incident has generated throughout Hingham and on social media. However, we respectfully ask that the community allow the Police Department to complete its official investigation so that all facts may be fully established before conclusions are drawn. The Town remains entirely committed to a transparent review and to taking any warranted steps to ensure the continued safety of this longstanding community tradition.