Advertisement

Dog fight uncovers Ontario’s first raccoon rabies case since 2006

A raccoon is seen in its enclosure at the Schwarze Berge wildlife park in Hamburg, northern Germany, on February 28, 2013. SVEN HOPPE/AFP/Getty Image

HAMILTON, Ont. — The first documented case of rabies in a raccoon in Ontario in nearly a decade has been documented, following a fight between two dogs and a raccoon in the back of an animal control van.

The City of Hamilton is urging “the public to contact Hamilton Animal Services if they see any distemperament in wildlife.”

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Spokeswoman Ann Lamanes says the city is also reviewing its animal services protocols in the wake of the incident.

Part of the fight between the bull mastiffs and the rabid raccoon was captured on video and uploaded to Facebook by Paula Fancey, the owner of the dogs.

Fancey broke down in tears after learning the raccoon, which was later euthanized, tested positive for rabies.

She admitted the dogs were not up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Story continues below advertisement

Later, after consulting her veterinarian, she said she was likely going to euthanize the dogs.

Sponsored content

AdChoices