Animal Tales: Stamford Dogs Under Quarantine

A pair of dogs are under "strict" quarantine after coming into contact with a raccoon that tested positive for rabies, according to Stamford Animal Control Superivisor Laurie Hollywood.

Hollywood said the raccoon was found at a Rolling Wood Drive residence where two lab mix dogs either "killed it or found it and came into contact" with the animal on July 3. On July 5, Hollywood's office was notified by the state laboratory that the raccoon tested positive for rabies.

"The dogs were placed under strict confinement. They were up to date on their rabies vaccines but they needed booster shots because they had been exposed," Hollywood explained. The confinement will last 45 days and means the dogs can be leashed and walked on their owner's property. "No dog parks," Hollywood said.

The incident, Hollywood said, illustrates "it's very important for people to have their pets vaccinated for rabies."

The symptoms of rabies include fever, loss of appetite, excessive irritability, unusual vocalization, change in behavior, restlessness, jumping at noises, trouble walking, excess salivation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, stupors or unprovoked aggression.