Rabies alert after raccoon attacks dog

The Hillsborough Health Department is alerting some South Tampa residents about a scary incident, when a rabid raccoon attacked a family pet.

It happened along West Thorton Avenue last week. That's southwest of Ballast Point Park.

The dog's owner says the raccoon came out of a tree and attacked his dog. He was able to kill the raccoon and take it in for testing.  Sure enough, it was positive for rabies.

Now, everyone who lives within a 500-foot radius of this area is being told to stay alert. 

As for the dog, it was up to date on its rabies vaccinations, so it is expected to be OK.