MINT HILL -- CMPD Animal Care and Control are warning pet owners to take a simple step that can save your pet's life.
- Authorities are imploring pet owners to make sure their animals have rabies vaccinations.
- Five cases of rabies have been confirmed in Mecklenburg County this year.
- Rabies is deadly and shots are free.
It’s a push to get pet rabies vaccinations after a fifth case of rabies is confirmed in the county, police say.
The latest case happened on on shady oaks court in Mint Hill. Police say two pet dogs attacked a rabid raccoon near a home.
The dogs had their latest rabies vaccinations and are being monitored.
Experts say they tend to see an uptick in cases during summer months when people are outside more. Experts say if an animal contracts the disease, it’s fatal.
“That’s why its so important that we vaccinate cats and dogs for rabies," says Dr. Christy Montgerard, a veterinarian with Fullwood Animal Hospital. "It’s to protect them because they are so susceptible to the disease, even if they’re indoor animals. They can still go outside, they can get out. There’s any number of situations where they could potentially be exposed to rabies.”
Animal care and control leaders say they're having a free rabies vaccine clinic coming up in July. You must be a resident of Mecklenburg county to qualify.