Two people, dog attacked by rabid bobcat in Southbury
SOUTHBURY — Animal control officials are warning residents to be careful after two people and their dog were attacked by a rabid bobcat this month.
Southbury Animal Control said the attack — which officials classified as “a rare and isolated incident” — happened on Jan. 4 in the Purchase area of town.
Officials said the dog was up to date on her rabies vaccinations. She was placed on a 45-day strict confinement and is expected to recover. Officials said if the dog had not had a rabies vaccine, she could have been put on a sixmonth quarantine or been subject to mandated euthanasia.
“This serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations for pets,” officials said.
The dog owners have started their vaccine series.
The bobcat, who died, tested positive for rabies after the attack.
Some common rabies symptoms include unprovoked aggression, difficulty walking and excess salivation, officials said.
“Though this was a rare and isolated incident, it is important for residents to be aware,” officials said.
Animal control officials urged owners to make sure their pets are up to date on their vaccinations, and to supervise them while they are outside.
There have been a few bobcat encounters involving Connecticut residents and pets over the years.
Last summer, a bobcat attacked a family’s dog in Preston, then entered their home, according to Fox61. When they were unable to get the bobcat out of the house, officials euthanized the animal. The bobcat tested positive for rabies, according to the Day of New London
In December 2019, a 12year-old boy in Fairfield was in the backyard of his home when he was attacked by what was believed to be a bobcat. The animal ran off into the woods after the boy suffered a minor finger scratch and a torn shirt, police said at the time.
In April 2019, a golfer at the Mohegan Sun golf course was injured by a bobcat. Officials said the bobcat also attacked a horse. The animal was euthanized and tested positive for rabies.
For more details on bobcats in Connecticut, visit the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection bobcat web page.