West Hartford Animal Control posted a message to residents Tuesday regarding calls about sick or injured animals.
By Ronni Newton
A spike in reports of sick or injured wildlife has prompted West Hartford Animal Control to post a message on Facebook about when to worry, and when residents should call.
“When an officer responds to these calls, we try to determine if the animal is in fact sick/injured. If a wild animal is seizing, falling over, walking in circles, abnormally vocalizing, acting unusually friendly or displaying any symptoms of rabies, it will be humanely dispatched,” Animal Control posted on Facebook.
The symptoms of distemper are similar to symptoms of rabies, and only a test can determine the exact illness, Animal Control said. Both are fatal diseases, and neither can be treated.
“Just because a wild animal is out during the day, does not mean it is ill. This is why we look for the above mentioned symptoms,” the post states. “These sick animals pose a serious threat to people and their pets. Rabies is a fatal disease transferable to people and other animals.”
Residents should immediately call the West Hartford Police non-emergency number (860-523-5203) if they see a wild animal displaying the symptoms listed above or an injured animal, and should neither try to approach nor touch the animal.
“Please note that no wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians are authorized to care for bobcats, coyotes, black bears, or adult species of deer, raccoons, skunks, foxes ,and bats.”
Anyone with general questions or concerns can also contact West Hartford Animal Control directly at 860-570-8818.
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