Crime & Safety
Rabid Raccoon Attacks Dog in Peters
Police remind area residents to ensure their pets are safe.
The Peters Township Police Department is reminding residents to ensure their dogs and cats have up-to-date rabies vaccines.
Police also advise residents to make sure their pets don't come into contact with wild animals.
The warnings come in the wake of an incident on Feb. 10, when officers responded to a report in the 200 block of Stonebrooke Drive.
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A resident there heard a commotion outside, and upon checking, found their dog with a raccoon hanging from its neck.
The resident put the raccoon down, and the carcass was picked up by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture for testing.
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On Thursday, test results confirmed that the animal was rabid.
"There is no need to panic," police Chief Harry Fruecht said in a release. "The dog is current on its rabies vaccination, and has had a booster shot. It will be quarantined for 90 days at the resident’s home. The dog must remain on a leash at all times when outdoors."
The Department of Agriculture will be completing compliance checks to ensure that the quarantine is being observed.
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