City cautions residents about raccoons

TORONTO – The city of Toronto is asking residents to be wary of raccoons after 10 cases of rabies have been reported in Hamilton.

Although no cases of rabies have been reported in Toronto, city officials are reminding people to remain vigilant by keeping pets on a leash at all times and ensuring all vaccinations are updated.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects dogs and humans and can have fatal results.

READ MORE: Watch out for sick raccoons, Toronto

Miriam Johns has been a dog walker in Toronto for more than 15 years and said the outbreak is concerning.

“It’s quite disturbing actually,” Johns said.

“You want to make sure you have control on their recall … you don’t want them to go after a rabid raccoon that’s wandered off.”

The outbreak in Hamilton is the first Ontario has seen since 2005.

READ MORE: Four new raccoon rabies cases found in Hamilton, brings outbreak total to 10

Dog owner Lee Bennet said it’s important to be “vigilant” when keeping a careful eye on pets, especially in open spaces dog parks.

“If you come across an animal that isn’t running away from your dog, then that’s not a healthy animal,” he said.

In October, the city also saw a spike in Canine Distemper Virus, which affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of canine mammals such as dogs, raccoons and skunks.

Anyone who notices a raccoon displaying abnormal behaviour is asked to contact 311.

More tips from the city of Toronto:

• Do not feed or touch wild or stray animals.
• Ensure that pets have up-to-date vaccinations.
• Keep pets on a leash at all times.
• Do not leave pets outside unattended.
• Prevent contact between pets and wild animals.