By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — Pawtucket Animal Control wants to inform city residents that on Aug. 19, there was a confirmed case of the rabies virus in a bat that was removed from a home in the Darlington section of Pawtucket.

John T. Holmes, Pawtucket's Animal Control Supervisor, said that at this time of year, there are a large number of bats around and it is not uncommon for a bat to get inside a home. However, he said that due to the danger of rabies, it is important that the bat get tested.
If anyone sees a bat inside their home, they are urged to not remove it. Instead, the resident should leave the room immediately and call Animal Control at 722-4243 or the Pawtucket Police Department at 726-3911.
In addition, Holmes is encouraging people to make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination. Even if the pet is considered to be an “indoor pet,” the animal is required by law to have the vaccination, he noted.
“We want to be notified immediately because there is such a high risk of rabies,” said Holmes. “We don't want people to just open the window and let the bat fly out.”
Holmes said that the Animal Control Department has captured and sent out for testing some 7 to 10 bats
during the last couple of weeks. Of these, only one has come back positive.
“We don't want to alarm anyone, but we want to keep on top of the rabies situation,” said Holmes. “The problem with a bat is that if one gets inside your house, you could be sound asleep and not know that it bit you. If you see one, just get out of the room and call Animal Control or the Police. We'll come over right away,” he said.