The Town of Southbury has experienced an uptick in confirmed rabid wildlife over the last two years. Unfortunately, on Tuesday, 07/20/21, there were multiple attempted coyote attacks on dogs and their owners in the Platt Park / Traditions area. One dog was successfully attacked by a coyote and was seen by a veterinarian for injuries and a Rabies vaccination booster. Southbury Animal Control has strict Rabies protocol to follow when wildlife encounters take place. Because of this, Southbury Animal Control would like to urge all pet owners to report wildlife encounters immediately. The dog has been placed on 45 day strict confinement and will be monitored for any symptoms of Rabies. If the pet had not had Rabies vaccinations, the pet may have been placed on a six month quarantine, or even been subject to mandated euthanasia as Rabies virus poses a public health and safety issue.
This serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations for pets. Animal Control asks owners to make certain that all pets, indoor and outdoor, are up to date with their rabies vaccinations. Animal Control would like to remind pet owners to supervise their pets and to be cautious of leaving them unattended while outdoors, especially during the evening.
Some common symptoms of rabies can be unprovoked aggression, difficulty walking, and excess salivation. If you or your pet have had contact with wildlife, call Southbury Animal Control and follow up with a healthcare provider and/or veterinarian. For further questions, or to report wildlife contact with a human or pet, please call Southbury Animal Control at 203-262-0613.
Information on coyote behavior and facts can be found on CT DEEP’S website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Coyote.
Rabies fact sheets, full list of symptoms, and other information can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/DOAG/Regulatory/Regulatory/Rabies-Manual.