Raccoon in Hamilton tests positive for rabies, Report

Animal control authorities are concerned about rabies after a fight between a dog and an aggressive raccoon in the back of a control van has led to the discovery.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency say it’s the first documented case since 2006 in Ontario.

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

Spokesperson 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.

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

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, it’s the first documented case of raccoon rabies since 2006 in the province of Ontario, although there have been two dozen in other provinces this year, mostly New Brunswick.

Agencies/Canadajournal