A New Hampshire mom physically restrained a rabid fox this week after the animal bit her 4-year-old child, according to police.
The Hollis Police Department said in a Facebook news release that the unidentified woman and her daughter received “emergent medical attention” and are expected to recover after HPD and Hollis EMS received calls from witnesses about a rabid fox biting a child on Tuesday, May 14 in the afternoon.
They arrived at the scene and found a woman holding a handcuff.
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Police officers took “control” of the fox when they arrived at the scene, according to police. The fox was showing signs of “sickness and aggression,” was euthanized at the scene by police, and later tested positive for rabies after a sample was tested by NH conservation officers.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is fatal to humans if medical attention is not received before symptoms begin.
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“Some people are critical of the actions of the Hollis officers who euthanized this animal. As the police chief, I stand behind the officers’ actions,” Chief Brendan LaFlamme said in a news release.
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“They acted quickly and professionally to make the scene safe so that the injured 4-year-old girl could receive the treatment she needed,” added LaFlamme. “Their action prevented further injury to people and animals, slowed down the spread of this disease and stopped the suffering of animals.”
“Heroic is an understatement,” LaFlamme said of the girl’s mother, according to Fox affiliate WFXT. “We would never encourage people to deal with wildlife but I think given the circumstances mum’s protective mode must have kicked in [for her].”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education