Rabies warning in Radnor Twp.

RADNOR TWP., Pa. - April 15, 2009 - (WPVI) -- There is a rabies warning in Radnor Township, Pa. after a fox attacked some neighborhood dogs.

Linda Hanson was doing yardwork when a gray fox began attacking her golden retriever, Farley.

Hanson said the fox that attacked seemed to show no signs of being afraid.

"All of a sudden, up the driveway, comes the fox and he goes right for Farley," Hanson said. "I was screaming again, swinging the rake at the fox."

This was the second such attack that day. Earlier in the morning, Hanson says Farley and the fox were fighting in the backyard.

Fortunately for Hanson, the fox did not seem interested in her.

"Even when I was swinging the rake its eyes were completely on Farley," said Hanson.

After another attack on a neighbor's dog, Radnor police shot the fox.

Radnor veterinarian, Dr. Len Donato, says rabid animals are not uncommon.

He sees about one a month.

But pet owners need on alert and look for wounds because symptoms of rabies don't show for weeks... even months.

"Usually it takes anywhere from 60 days to 6 months, and that's why if you find a wound, you should take your pet to the hospital and have it evaluated," said Dr. Donato.

As for Farley, the Dept. Of Agriculture says he must be quarantined to the home for 90 days, but he's expected to fine.

Officials warn, if your pet is not up-to-date on rabies shots it may have to be quarantined for up to six months, or even put down.

Follow Action News on Twitter

Get Action News on your website

Follow Action News on Facebook

Click here to get the latest Philadelphia news and headlines from across the Delaware and Lehigh valleys.

Get more Local/State »

local/state, chad pradelli

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•