Rabies Outbreak: Baby Raccoon Euthanized After Being brought to Petco for Nail Trimming Amidst Fear of Infection

A baby raccoon was brought to a Petco store in Maine for a nail trimming, but ended up being euthanized over fears that it may have had rabies. According to NBC News, the woman who brought the raccoon to the store caused concern among employees, who promptly notified authorities. An investigation was launched and the owner of the raccoon was identified. The woman claimed she had found the raccoon on the side of the road and was taking care of it. Additionally, the raccoon was brought into a Petco store for a “spa experience” in a separate incident, as reported by Fox News. However, the unconventional pet treatment did not end as well as intended. As reported by the New York Post, the raccoon was also taken to a nail-trimming event but was subjected to being kissed by strangers. Testing done on a raccoon brought into another Petco store in Auburn tested negative for rabies, according to WGME. The incident has raised questions about responsible pet ownership and the potential risks of bringing wild animals into unfamiliar environments.