Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Raccoon rescuer asked to contact Animal Welfare League
Arlington County officials urge public to stay away from wild animals
Contact: Animal Welfare League of Arlington 703-931-9241 ext. 200
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Animal Welfare League of Arlington and County Public Health Officials are seeking a person who had contact with what appeared to be a “very friendly” juvenile raccoon on Thursday, September 25. The person involved is urged to contact the Animal Welfare League as soon as possible at (703) 931-9241.
While rabies is rare, health officials urge citizens to stay away from wild animals and to contact the Animal Welfare of Arlington (AWLA) if they notice that any animal that is behaving aggressively, appears ill or is acting unusually friendly. Do not attempt to help or capture an animal yourself. Immediately contact the AWLA at (703) 931-9241 for assistance.
The Arlington County Public Health Division strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent families and pets from exposure to rabies.
- Vaccinate all dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies.
- Do not touch or feed wild animals, stray dogs and cats, or bats.
- Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home and feed pets indoors.
- Securely seal garbage containers with lids.
- If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact the Animal Welfare League of Arlington at (703) 931-9241 ext. 200.
- Keep pets confined to your property.
For more information on rabies, contact the Animals Welfare League of Arlington or log onto Virginia Department of Health’s Web site or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the “10 miles square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for “Smart Growth” in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world – including the Pentagon – Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
Arlington County news releases are also available online.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.