Another confirmed case of rabies in Habersham County is again shining the spotlight on the importance of keeping your pets vaccinated.
Habersham County Animal Care and Control officers were notified on Nov. 7th of an incident on Alley’s Chapel Road in Clarkesville involving a possibly rabid skunk. The skunk attacked two small dogs – a Chihuahua mix and Jack Russell mix.
“The skunk was shot dead by the owner of the dogs,” says HCACC Director Madi Hawkins in an emailed press release. It was taken to the Health Department for testing. The dogs were placed in temporary quarantine pending the results. HCACC was notified yesterday the skunk tested positive for the rabies virus.
“Neither dog was current on rabies vaccinations,” says Hawkins. Both animals were euthanized.
Vaccinate your pets: It’s the law!
This is the second time in just over a month that dogs have had to be euthanized after an encounter with rabid wildlife in Habersham. A Boxer that took down a raccoon on Homer Stephens Road back in October was put down after the raccoon tested positive for rabies. The dog’s rabies vaccinations were not up to date.
Hawkins urges pet owners to take care of their pets’ health and to follow the law.
“A current rabies vaccination is both state and local law-for a reason,” she states. “An inexpensive, yearly vaccination would have prevented the unnecessary death of these pets.”
She says Animal Control Officers are currently enforcing a zero tolerance campaign to obtain compliance with state and local laws in regards to rabies vaccinations and educate the community on the lifesaving necessity of a rabies vaccination.
Low cost options
There are various low cost options available to pet owners who need help paying for rabies vaccines. The staff at the Animal Shelter can help you find resources.
A rabies clinic will be held Saturday. Nov. 19th at Habersham Hardware in Cornelia, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The cost of a one year vaccine will be $10.00 (Cash Only)
