News

Raccoon attacks three dogs; one put down

By Bill Moss, Published: June 11, 2015

Officials with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Animal Enforcement Division and the Department of Public Health urged residents to make sure their pet’s rabies vaccination is current after a raccoon attacked three dogs in the Dana/Sugarloaf on Tuesday afternoon.

The raccoon has not been caught but is likely rabid. It is possible that the raccoon may attack again and have contact with other wild animals. All county residents should be cautious the next several weeks to protect families, neighbors and pets.
Two of the attacked dogs were vaccinated against rabies. The third dog was not vaccinated and was put down. The owner is receiving post-exposure rabies vaccine series. Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting the central nervous system. Rabies can be prevented but not cured. A healthy animal or human can get rabies when bitten, licked or scratched by a sick animal.
Residents in the affected area who have questions may call Renee Ledford at 828-694-6019. For more information about rabies, visit the Health Department’s website at www.hendersoncountync.org/health.