NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT
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Young children are naturally curious about animals. But a bite or even a scratch from a stray or wild animal can be a dangerous thing.
As autumn advances, many of the wild animals in our midst are starting to head to winter nesting and hibernating places. Any wild animal wandering close to people and behaving strangely should be avoided as a potential case of rabies.
Make sure your child understands that stray or wild animals should be given a distance. Set a few rules for them to follow.
- Always ask permission before petting any dog or cat.
- Never touch or play with any wild animal, including squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, rabbits and bats.
- Tell an adult right away if they ever see a lost, unknown or injured animal.
- Tell an adult right away if they have ever touched, or have been scratched or bitten by any animal.
- The other important rule to keep in mind is to ensure that your own pets are vaccinated against rabies. It protects both your pet and your family. And it’s the law.
Low-cost rabies clinics are taking place across our region this month. For a location near you, visit the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/rabiesclinics.
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