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the rabies myth

Rabies is very uncommon in humans in the United States. There are typically 1-3 cases of human rabies diagnosed annually in the United States. There have been three cases of human rabies acquired in Florida since 1948; one transmitted from a dog and the other two transmitted from bats. The odds are much higher that you will be struck by lightning or bonked on the head by a falling coconut. If you see a raccoon acting strange, off-balance, spaced out, walking in circles, falling over, or drooling, it is almost always a sign of distemper. If this is the case, call Animal Control immediately; or call us. Distemper is not transmissible to humans. Unvaccinated outdoor cats are at the highest risk for rabies infection. All domestic dogs and outdoor cats should receive regular vaccinations against distemper and rabies.

Though naturally nocturnal, this is not the case with raccoons living in highly developed and populated areas like South Florida. Raccoons here feel equally comfortable foraging during the day as they do at night because, unlike in heavily wooded areas, raccoons in South Florida encounter few, if any, of their typical predators. Consequently, it is perfectly normal (not rabid) to see raccoons bopping around during the day.

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poison baiting is cruel

Poison baiting is illegal for use on almost all wildlife. The use of poison for “nuisance” wildlife control or for general “pest” control is also cruel and inhumane. The ingestion of poison bait by any animal involves excruciating pain, and the animal will suffer a slow, painful, agonizing death.

Poison baiting claims many more victims than just the targeted animal. Although rodents are often the target, many other small animals (e.g., dogs, cats, birds, squirrels) will also access the poison bait stations. Rodent poison is the most common type of pet poisoning reported in vet clinics. Additionally, when poisoned rodents are consumed by their natural predators (e.g., cats, birds, raccoons, opossums, foxes), the predator is also poisoned, and in turn suffers a similarly painful, agonizing death. By killing off these natural predators, nature’s most effective wildlife “nuisance” controllers are eliminated. Likewise, when we poison and kill rodents, we are eliminating nature’s most prolific “pest” controllers. Rodents are vast consumers of mosquitos, mosquito eggs, cockroaches, ants, bees, larvae, and parasites. Ironically, poison bait stations defeat their own purpose of controlling “nuisance” animals and “pests.” 

To make matters worse, poison bait stations have been known to inadvertently harm children, adults, and pets. Poison induces a vicious cycle. Please never use poison and immediately and safely dispose of all poison bait stations on your property.

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freezing reptiles, amphibians & FISH is cruel

Freezing reptiles and amphibians is a cruel form of euthanasia. Freezing these animals to death is considered inhumane and unacceptable by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Zoological Veterinarians, the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. When a cold-blooded animal - like a reptile, amphibian or fish - is being frozen to death, the animal gradually loses physical and mental function but not the ability to feel pain. As the animal freezes, ice crystals form within the body tissues causing excruciating pain to the animal.