Stray cat attacks 5 people, puppy in Polk County, tests positive for rabies

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1. 2h ago

   Rabid stray cat attacks five people, puppy in Polk County; tests positive for rabies

   A rabid stray cat in Polk County attacked five people and a puppy before dying. Health officials confirm the cat tested positive for rabies. Authorities have cited a resident for feeding unvaccinated strays. Vaccination warnings remain in effect for pets and humans in the area.

   What's confirmed:

   • A stray cat attacked five people and a puppy in Polk County before testing positive for rabies.
   • The cat died after the attacks, and its rabies status was confirmed by health officials.
   • A resident in the area has been cited for feeding unvaccinated stray cats.
   • Health officials continue to urge vaccinations and precautions for pets and humans.
   confidence 100%
2. 11h ago

   Rabid stray cat attacks 5 people, puppy in Lakeland; tests positive for rabies

   A rabies-infected stray cat attacked five people and a puppy in the Glen Road neighborhood of north Lakeland, Florida, before dying. Authorities confirmed the cat tested positive for rabies. A resident feeding unvaccinated stray cats has been cited. Health officials urge vaccinations and precautions for pets and humans.

   What's confirmed:

   • A stray cat tested positive for rabies after attacking five people and a puppy in north Lakeland, Florida.
   • The cat died under a home in the Glen Road neighborhood after the incidents.
   • A resident who fed unvaccinated stray cats in the area has been cited by authorities.
   • Polk County Animal Control and health officials are advising residents to vaccinate pets and avoid contact with stray animals.
   • The attacks occurred in early June 2026, with the cat’s rabies confirmation reported on June 16, 2026.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The resident feeding the cats, Angelica Perez (31), named and fed multiple strays before the attacks (source: single report).
   • The cat was part of a larger colony of unvaccinated strays in the neighborhood (source: single report).
   confidence 98%