Conservation officers are working to capture a fox that attacked and severely injured a small dog in Plum Point today. Anyone sighting a fox in the area is asked to call 709-861-7355.

The public is advised to keep pets safe and ensure animals are up to date on rabies vaccinations. Rabies can be transmitted to unvaccinated pets including cats and dogs through the bite of an infected animal. If a wild animal bites a pet, please seek veterinary attention immediately and contact the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer at 729-6879.

Fisheries and Land Resources officials remind the public not to feed wildlife or leave unsecured food or garbage where animals can access it. Pet owners, especially those living adjacent to wooded areas, are also advised to protect their animals by:

• ensuring there are no food attractants for wildlife; and
• keeping pets within fenced yards and dogs on a leash or under close supervision while off leash in public areas.

Any unusual behaviour in wild or domestic animals should be reported to conservation officers, wildlife enforcement officers, veterinarians, police or public health officials. Rabies education information is available at:www.faa.gov.nl.ca/agrifoods/animals/health/rabies.html.

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca