On Sunday, January 26, 2020, PCSO Animal Control responded to North Galloway Road in Lakeland, in reference to a fight between a dog and a raccoon. 

The owner of the Alaskan husky mix separated the two animals and dispatched the raccoon; Animal Control responded, retrieved the raccoon carcass, and sent it to the state laboratory in Tampa to be tested for rabies. The positive rabies was confirmed two days later. 

The dog is vaccinated and will remain at home under a 45-day quarantine. 

“If you see a wild animal in distress, or if one of your pets interacts with a wild animal, contact Polk County Animal Control immediately.” - Grady Judd, Sheriff

In 2019, there were 11 rabies cases in Polk County - five bats and six raccoons.