Rabid Black Cat Brought To Hudson Valley, New York Shelter

A Hudson Valley couple dropped off a rabid animal to an animal shelter.

Westchester County officials managed to track down the couple accused of leaving a rabid cat at a Yonkers animal shelter last month.

Rabid Cat Found In Westchester County, New York

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The couple found the black kitten around Dec. 12, 2024, near Locust Hill Avenue and Overlook Terrace in Yonkers.

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Anyone who may have contact with a black kitten in the area is urged to contact Westchester County Department of Health immediately at (914) 813-5000.

Officials warn that once symptoms occur in humans or animals the disease is "fatal."

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"Rabies is a fatal disease, and anyone who had direct contact with the kitten should call the Health Department to assess their potential exposure and need for treatment. Notices have been posted in the area to alert the community," the Westchester County Department of Health states.

Residents Who Dropped Off Injured Cat Identified

The unnamed couple who dropped off the injured cat, which was later determined to be rabid, recently returned to Yonkers Animal Hospital to check on the animal.

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"Health Department staff spoke with the man and woman, and nurses confirmed that they were not exposed to rabies and do not require post-exposure treatment," officials said press release. "The pair reported finding the kitten on thesidewalk at the intersection of Locust Hill Avenue and Overlook Terrace."

Animals in Which Rabies is Most Commonly Found

Rabies are most commonly found in these animals.

Animals in Which Rabies is Most Commonly Found

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in North America rabies is most commonly found in bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and mongoose. It is also found in cats, cattle, and dogs. The CDC says that rabid bats have been found in every state except for Hawaii. Rabid mongoose have been found in Puerto Rico.

Rabies is easily transmitted from animals to other animals, including human beings. Human cases are rare in the United States, but deadly if not caught in time.

Gallery Credit: Kristine Bellino

Pets Banned in Each State

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

Gallery Credit: Elena Kadvany

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