Contact: Drew Bessey, animal shelter supervisor
: DBessey@wichita.gov
: (316) 268-8351

An employee of Bradley Paper reported a customer’s dog came in contact with the skunk in front of the store. The owner of the dog left without leaving contact information and health officials are seeking media assistance to locate him. Wichita Animal Services confirmed the skunk tested positive for rabies. It is important that the owner of the dog contact Wichita Animal Services as soon as possible.

If anyone has information about the dog and its owner please contact Wichita Animal Services at 316-641-5310 including on Christmas Day over the holiday weekend. That is a 24-hour contact number.

The owner of the dog is also advised to take his pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible and provide information about the incident involving his dog and the skunk.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that humans can catch by coming into contact with infected dogs, cats and ferrets, as well as wild animals. Each year a number of animals, mostly skunks, test positive for rabies within the city limits of Wichita. Vaccinating your pets protects them from contracting rabies and protects your family. If you have a pet that has not been vaccinated, it is important that you make arrangements with your veterinarian to have it vaccinated as soon as possible. Rabies vaccinations are required by law in Wichita and in Sedgwick County.

To report animal bites, or if your pet animal comes in contact with a skunk or other wild animal, please call City of Wichita Animal Services at (316) 268-8356 to report the incident. For incidents that occur outside the city limits of Wichita, call Sedgwick County Animal Control at (316) 660-7070.

For additional information, please visit
www.wichita.gov
www.sedgwickcounty.org
http://www.vet.ksu.edu/DEPTS/dmp/service/rabies/index.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/Rabies/

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