Hope Mills, N.C. — Officials on Tuesday reported a second case of rabies so far this year in Cumberland County.

A dead dog that was picked up Feb. 15 from Hennardland Place in Hope Mills was tested for the virus, but the test results were inconclusive, Cumberland County spokeswoman Sally Shutt said. The case is being treated as positive for public safety reasons, she said.

Although the dog had a current rabies vaccination, its owner killed the pet after it bit him and his wife. Testing was required because of the bites, Shutt said.

Residents in and around Hennardland Place are asked to be aware of animals that appear sick or behaving strangely. Anyone who comes into contact with such an animal is urged call Animal Control at 910-321-6852 during business hours, or the sheriff’s office at 910-323-1500 after hours.