The kangaroo was being kept as a pet.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Animal Care Services is investigating an usual case after an 11-year-old boy was bitten by a kangaroo at a far northwest-side residence.
Officials said the child was bitten by a male kangaroo in his father’s backyard at the 15000 block of Watchers Way sometime last week. The kangaroo was apparently being kept as a pet.
According to ACS, the child sustained one bite to the back. The child’s condition is currently unknown.
ACS cited the child’s father with multiple criminal violations including possession of a prohibited animal within city limits, failure to obtain the required permit to keep the animal, failure to provide proof of current rabies vaccination and responsibility for an animal bite incident.
According to ACS, the kangaroo has been placed into a state mandated 30-day quarantine in a secured location. They also reminded the public that kangaroos are native to Australia and are not suitable as domestic pets. City law also prohibits residents from owning certain wild animals, including kangaroos, primates, big cats, and bears.
ACS is investigating the incident and is working with state authorities to determine the animal’s future.