NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Greylock Animal Hospital is offering a free rabies clinic on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 2 to 4 at Greylock School after a fox bit a man in the West End. 

 

All dogs must be on a leash, all cats must be in carriers. The clinic is sponsored by Greylock Animal Hospital and Berkshire Humane Society.

 

A man walking his dog was bitten on Sunday while walking his dog in the Greylock neighborhood. Police said the attack was unprovoked and posted alerts on Facebook people in the neighborhood to stay inside and bring their pets in as well. 

 

Police, the animal control officer and state Environmental Police searched the area around Phelps Avenue and Catherine, Watson and Barbour streets and connecting streets. The fox was not located at that time but was sighted several times by residents before disappearing into the woods. Residents were warned to be observant as they left for work and school on Monday morning. 

 

According to police, provisions were made at Greylock School to have an officer on hand during the morning to ensure the travel routes were safe. Animal control and environmental police were also on hand. 

 

The animal was located and "dispatched" early Monday evening. 

 

"We are hopeful this was the fox that was in the Greylock School area yesterday," Police Director Michael Cozzaglio wrote on Facebook. "Everyone is save and all went well at school today. We will continue to work with our school and neighbors to keep everyone safe. Please continue to be vigilant and call the police if you see a sick or aggressive animal."

 

No other fox has since been sighted in the area but officers continued to be at Greylock School the past few days during high traffic times. 

 

Greylock Animal Hospital offered to host the free rabies clinic. A similar effort was done last year in the Chase Hill neighborhood after a cat was found to be infected with rabies. More than 200 cats and dogs were vaccinated in a group effort by the hospital, Berkshire Humane Society, the city, Animal Fund, state Departments of Agricultural Resources and Public Health, Animal Dreams, Second Chance Animal Shelter, Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital, and animal control officers.

 

Rabies is a contagious viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be spread through bites from infected animlas. All dogs, cats and ferrets older than six months are required to be vaccinated against rabies.