(Lincolnton) Lincoln County Animal Services has confirmed the county's 10th, 11th and 12th rabies cases of 2025.
On Sunday, September 7th, a resident called Animal Services regarding a skunk that entered a dog door on the 2000 block of Bess Chapel Church Road in Cherryville. There was no documented exposure to humans or pets, but the specimen was submitted for testing due to abnormal behavior. On Wednesday, September 10th, Lincoln County Animal Services received confirmation of a positive rabies test for the skunk. We strongly encourage pet owners to lock their dog doors when they are not in use.
Also on Sunday, September 7th, a resident called Animal Services regarding a raccoon that started acting aggressively towards a human and ultimately ended up getting into an altercation with their dog. This incident occurred on the 800 block of Curve View Road in Lincolnton. On Wednesday, September 10th, Lincoln County Animal Services received confirmation of a positive rabies test for the raccoon. There was no documented exposure towards the human. The dog, which had an expired rabies vaccination, was able to receive a booster vaccination and returned home to complete a 45-day observation period to monitor for symptoms of illness.
On Tuesday, September 9th, a resident called Animal Services regarding a previous altercation between a skunk and kitten that was found in an outdoor cat house that occurred on August 25th. The homeowner had dispatched and discarded the skunk and began treating the injured kitten. The kitten began to show signs of aggression and neurological distress, and the homeowner surrendered the kitten over to Animal Services where it was determined to dispatch the kitten and submit the specimen to the North Carolina State Laboratory for rabies testing. There were known exposures to humans and domesticated animals. On Friday, September 12th, Lincoln County Animal Services received confirmation of a positive rabies test for the kitten and began appropriate exposure protocol. Animal Services is currently working with Dr. Carl Williams, State Public Health Veterinarian, for data analysis of the current and historical case status of rabies incidences in Lincoln County. We are encouraging all residents to review the vaccination status of their pets and to locate the appropriate documents for confirmation of vaccination status.
We recommend for all pet owners to ensure their indoor pets, outdoor pets, ferrets and livestock are kept current on their rabies vaccine and take advantage of vaccination opportunities through Lincoln County Animal Services and low-cost clinics sponsored by Helping Animals to Survive (HATS). Lincoln County residents may schedule an appointment with Lincoln County Animal Services to receive a 1-year rabies vaccination for $10 per pet (felines and canines only). To keep yourself safe, don’t approach or handle wildlife. Signs of rabies in wild animals can include abnormal amounts of aggression or friendliness, disorientation, wobbliness, circling, and excessive salivation. If you see or encounter a wild animal that may be sick, or is exhibiting signs of abnormal behavior, call Animal Services at (704) 736-4125 to report it.
Resources for rabies vaccinations:
Lincoln County Animal Services will be providing free rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats through Friday, October 3rd. Walk-ins are welcome Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday appointments can be made on the LCAS website or by calling (704) 736-4125 (no vaccinations on Sundays).
Lincoln County Animal Services will also be hosting a free rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 4th while supplies last. The event will start at 9 a.m. and is available to Lincoln County residents only. The event will be held at the Lincoln County Health Department located at 200 Gamble Drive, Lincolnton.
Lincoln County Animal Services: https://www.lincolncountync.gov/702/Animal-Services
Helping Animals To Survive (HATS): https://www.hatsalive.org/calendar-2/