Greenwich Point Closed To All Dogs Effective Saturday: UPDATE

UPDATE: Greenwich Police announced the closure of Greenwich Point to all dogs effective Saturday, Feb. 22.

"Due to recent test results that revealed Distemper within the raccoon population at Greenwich Point, this facility is closed until further notice to all dogs effective 2/22/2020 as ordered by the local Director of Health. If you are walking and see a dead, sick, or distressed raccoon, do not touch or approach the animal. Please contact the Greenwich Public Safety Communications Center at 203-622-8004."

GREENWICH, CT — Days after issuing a safety alert regarding "sick or dead" raccoons near Greenwich Point, police said two more dead raccoons were found in the area. The deceased animals were found sometime between Wednesday and Thursday, and they will also be tested for diseases, police said in a statement on Facebook.

On Tuesday, police said animal control officers have responded to several reports of "dead or very sick raccoons" near Greenwich Point over the past couple of weeks.

The animals were "dispatched for humanitarian reasons" and tested for the rabies virus, and police announced Thursday after receiving the results that rabies is not a factor.

See also: Raccoons Tested For Rabies In Greenwich, Safety Alert Issued: PD

"The dead animals are undergoing further testing for distemper and other wild animal illness," police said on Facebook. "The results will be announced when they have returned."

Police ask all dog owners to make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies, distemper and parvovirus vaccinations, and to make sure their pet is leashed and under control while walking near Greenwich Point.

They also warn not to let dogs go near any wild animals, alive or dead.

Anyone who sees a a "dead, sick or distressed" raccoon while walking in the park is asked not to touch or approach the animal. Instead, police ask residents to contact the Greenwich Public Safety Communications Center at 203-622-8004.