Raccoons attack dogs inside home

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ALAMEDA, Calif., Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Two dogs in Alameda, Calif., were attacked by raccoons that got into a home through a dog door, police said.

At least seven raccoon attacks have been reported in the island town since June, The Oakland Tribune reported. Among the victims was a 33-year-old woman bitten on the leg last month when raccoons attacked her and her dog.

Up to four raccoons entered the home around 3 a.m. Thursday, apparently searching for food and water, Alameda police Lt. Sean Lynch said. They attacked the two female dogs inside, waking up the residents.

A 9-year-old, 54-pound Labrador mix suffered bites and cuts on her lip and face, while a 5-year-old, 10-pound Chihuahua-Dachshund mix was bitten on her face and back.

Both dogs were treated at a veterinary hospital, including with antibiotics as a precaution.

The dogs are now under quarantine at home, Lynch said.

"It's an unfortunate situation," he said. "But doggy doors are often unlocked and raccoons are foragers. And at night they go out hunting."