HENRICO COUNTY, Va. – A Henrico dog owner decided to euthanize his pet after it was chased, and likely bit, by a rabid skunk. There was no proof the skunk attacked the dog, however police said there was a high probability the skunk passed along rabies to the dog during their encounter.
The dog’s owner killed the skunk after he saw it chasing his dog in the backyard of his Ross Road home. Police said the homeowner decided to put down his pet because of its advanced age and to avoid potential rabies treatments for the animal.
“Henrico Police Animal Protection reminds everyone to be sure to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations current to ensure the safety of their pets and our community,” police wrote in a statement. “Please report abnormal wildlife behavior to the Henrico Police Non-Emergency Communications Center at (804) 501-5000.”
Ross Road is located off River Road in Henrico’s West End.
