Cumberland County Animal Control
Responds to
Fourth Rabies Case This Year

Cumberland County, NC - The Cumberland County Animal Control Department is alerting residents in Grays Creek off Highway 87 about a raccoon that tested positive for rabies.

Thursday, July 18, 2002, Animal Control Officers responded to a call about a dog fighting a raccoon at 3628 Belridge Drive. The responding Animal Control Officer reported that the dog killed the raccoon.

The deceased raccoon was sent to the NC State Lab for rabies diagnosis. On Friday, July 19, 2002, the NC State Lab confirmed that the raccoon tested positive for rabies.

Animal Control Officers are currently on Belridge Drive informing citizens and passing out pamphlets with information on rabies to all of the residents in the neighborhood.

Animal Control Director, Monroe Rascoe Jr., says he would like to remind all county residents to remain cautious and alert of any dog, cat, or wildlife animal that may be rabid. In addition, Rascoe adds, "Pet owners should remember that all dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies. Failure to have your pet vaccinated is punishable by a $100 fine."

This is the fourth confirmed case of rabies that Cumberland County Animal Control has responded to this year.