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June 23, 2006

Woman, children attacked by fox in North Kingstown

NORTH KINGSTOWN -- A woman and her two children -- ages 1 and 3 -- were treated at Kent Hospital today after a rabid fox bit the woman and dragged the 1-year-old boy across a lawn here.

The police said that Mary McGarry, of Johnston, was just taking her children out of her car at about 7:30 this morning when the small fox attacked. They had just arrived at 140 Brookhaven Rd.

The fox bit McGarry in the wrist and would not let go; she had to shake the fox off her wrist.

The fox then bit her leg, got her son, Aidan, by the shoe and dragged him across the lawn. McGarry struck the fox repeatedly to get it to let go.

The North Kingstown police found and killed the fox 20 minutes after receiving the call. Mary and Aidan McGarry suffered minor puncture wounds. The 3-year-old girl, Abigail, was not injured, but she was also treated for a potential rabies infection at Kent Hospital.

A woman on Peach Tree Road alerted Sgt. Steven St. Onge that the animal was on her property. He fired at the animal with his gun, but it was still alive. He and a fellow officer had to fire two more shots to kill the fox.

State veterinarian Dr. Christopher Hannifan announced later today that the fox did have rabies.

State Sen. James Sheehan told the police yesterday that he was attacked by what is now believed to have been the same fox while he was riding his bike on Blueberry Lane. He was able to get away on his bike.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 5:20 PM | Permalink

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