Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Rabid raccoon enters DeKalb home through doggy door, bites two dogs

A rabid raccoon caught on Feb. 23 has prompted DeKalb County health officials to issue warnings.
A rabid raccoon caught on Feb. 23 has prompted DeKalb County health officials to issue warnings.
By Becca J G Godwin
Feb 28, 2018

A raccoon picked up by DeKalb County Animal Services late last week tested positive for rabies, officials announced Wednesday.

The raccoon entered through the doggy door of a home and bit two dogs, according a spokesman. The dogs were current on their shots but were quarantined in the home as a precaution.

The raccoon was captured Friday in the 3200 block of  Covington Highway. The raccoon’s status was not immediately available.

READ | DeKalb smashes goal to collect 3,000 toilet paper rolls

READ | Decatur man ran $480K scheme involving at-risk students in Virginia

The virus is spread through saliva, usually from a bite by a rabid animal. Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek medical attention immediately, the county said.

For more information, contact DeKalb County Animal Services at 404-294-2996, option 2.

Like DeKalb County News Now on Facebook | Follow on Twitter

In other DeKalb County news:

Authorities say the man grabbed the girl from behind and assaulted the girl on the railroad tracks.

About the Author

Becca J G Godwin
More Stories

Keep Reading

People line up outside the federal building in Atlanta that houses an immigration court and ICE office. Several cases in the court are at the center of a disciplinary proceeding against Norcross immigration lawyer Christopher Taylor. (Ben Hendren/AJC 2025)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Justices skeptical of Atlanta lawyer’s disbarment defense

Norcross immigration lawyer Christopher Taylor is asking the Georgia Supreme Court not to disbar him for allegedly abandoning six clients.

Arrest made in theft of unreleased Beyoncé music during Atlanta tour stop

Kelvin Evans, who has an extensive criminal history in Fulton County over the past two decades, was arrested in Hapeville following an investigation, authorities said.

Ex-DeKalb officer reindicted in 2022 shooting death in prosecutor’s redo

The DeKalb DA’s office reindicted ex-officer Russell Mathis in a fatal 2022 shooting after dismissing earlier charges to avoid a legal technicality.

The Latest

Marando Salmon, 37, was shot and killed by DeKalb County police on Nov. 4, 2022. (Courtesy of DeKalb County District Attorney's Office)

Credit: Provided by DeKalb County District Attorney's Office

Ex-DeKalb officer reindicted in 2022 shooting death in prosecutor’s redo

Justices skeptical of Atlanta lawyer’s disbarment defense

Lawsuit: College Park councilman pushed employee to carry out ‘vendettas’

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Metro Atlanta consumers grapple with higher prices on food, other goods

Inflation recently reached its highest level this year, with prices increasing for food, housing and other necessities.

Raffensperger, who rebuffed Trump in 2020, runs for Georgia governor

He was the Republican who told Donald Trump no. Now the secretary of state is telling Georgia voters he wants to be their next governor.

South Georgia football coach resigns after 0-5 start

Wayne County’s John Mohring resigned Tuesday afternoon, becoming the third GHSA football coach to step down since the season began.