Six dogs to be euthanized after rabid raccoon attack in Hope Mills
Health officials on Tuesday confirmed a positive case of rabies in a raccoon in Hope Mills that will result in the euthanizing of six dogs.
According to Cumberland County Animal Control, officers responded to an attack involving six dogs and a raccoon on Monday in the 5000 block of Parkton Road near N.C. Highway 59.
Officials found a dead raccoon at the scene and sent it to the State Public Health Lab in Raleigh, where it tested positive for rabies.
The six dogs were being quarantined at the Cumberland County Animal Shelter. The owner, who said the dogs have never been vaccinated against rabies, surrendered all six dogs to be euthanized.
“By state law, these dogs will have to be euthanized or quarantined at a veterinary hospital for four months, which costs thousands of dollars,” Animal Control Director Elaine Smith said. “The consequences of exposure to rabies are extremely serious. People need to take rabies seriously and get their pets vaccinated and make sure the vaccinations are up to date.”
This is the second case of rabies in Cumberland County in 2019. A rabid fox was confirmed in May.
There will be a Rabies Vaccination Clinic Oct. 5 at the Public Health Center, 1235 Ramsey St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost for vaccination is $10 per dog and cat.
