Two dogs are being quarantined after a rabid raccoon attacked them in Pleasantville last Friday.
Miguel Lugo, a police officer who owns the two dogs, came to their rescue by shooting and killing the rabid animal, but both dogs were already bit.
"They got bite marks all over them and my one dog almost lost an eye," Lugo told NBC Philadelphia.
The raccoon was taken to the Atlantic County Animal Shelter where it tested positive for rabies. Both dogs must be quarantined for six months because they were allegedly overdue on their vaccinations.
Officer Lugo must also undergo treatment because he touched both dogs after the attack.
"Because I was handling the dogs I had to go to the hospital and get a post-rabies treatment," he said.
In New Jersey, all dog owners are required to annually apply for a license. In order to receive a license, owners must present proof of rabies vaccinations covering ten months out of the twelve-month license period, according to state officials.
The Atlantic County Animal Shelter urges pet owners to keep their animals up-to-date on the vaccination to ensure animal safety. The shelter is holding a free rabies clinic on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon for any county residents whose dogs or cats are overdue.
"Pet owners are going to have to really take special care to make sure that their animals are being vaccinated against rabies," said Kathy Kelsey, a shelter employee.
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This is the sixth rabid raccoon found in Atlantic County this year, causing the Middle Township Police Department to issue a warning of increased calls due to raccoons acting strangely, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
"Right now having six positive cases of rabies is pretty steep," said Kelsey.
