Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

BURRILLVILLE, R.I. -- The Burrillville police have declared a rabies watch after a raccoon that died in the Laurel Hill section on Tuesday proved positive for rabies.

A second raccoon was suspected of having died of the disease in the Laurel Hill Avenue and Grove Street area.

The surrounding area is under a rabies watch" until Oct. 21, the town's Animal Control Department said. State law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. All animal owners should ensure that their animals are current on vaccination. Rabies booster vaccines for pets are recommended, the animal control unit said, and livestock also should be vaccinated.

The police said enforcement of the leash law will be strict, and said residents should keep all pets inside or on a leash while outside.

Domestic cats should wear some form of identification, the police said, so they will not be confused with feral animals.

Sick, injured, and feral cats from the rabies watch area that are received by Animal Control are at risk of being euthanized for rabies exposure risk unless they have identification and proof of current rabies vaccination.

Garbage containers should be covered, and pets should be fed indoors. People who
feed stray and/or feral cats are legally responsible for ensuring these cats are vaccinated against rabies, the police said.

Anyone bitten or scratched by any domestic or wild animal should contact Animal Control as well as the Department of Health at 222-2577. The police said people should avoid all contact with wildlife and stray animals.

The town and the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association have scheduled a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic for May 6 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Burrillville Animal Shelter, 131 Clear River Drive in Oakland. The cost will be $11 per vaccination - cash only. All dogs must be leashed and under the control of a responsible individual. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers. Please bring any records of prior Rabies vaccination. Contact Burrillville Animal Control at 568-9480 for further information.

 Tags  Burrillville RI

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