Henry County

Henry County Animal Control investigating another case of rabies

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — Henry County Animal Control is investigating its fourth rabies case this year after a dog attacked a rabid raccoon.

Vince Farah, a rabies control officer, told Channel 2’s Craig Lucie cases have increased in the past two years because of development in the area.

The newest case affects more than 300 homeowners in McDonough.

Farah says a dog attacked a rabid raccoon in the front yard of a McDonough home near the intersection of Campground and Elliot roads.

“Her dog showed up with a raccoon in its mouth,” he said.

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This is their fourth rabies case this year. Last year Henry County had 12.

“With construction going on, forcing wild animals out of habitat, they are beginning to encroach on our habitat,” Farah said.

Animal control is putting up signs within a half-mile radius from where the incident happened and say they will keep these signs up for six to eight weeks. %

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“I’m definitely concerned. We are always out in the yard working. My husband and son area always out there. We see a lot of deer but I’ve never seen any raccoons out there,” neighbor Donna Safran said.

Farah said the dog’s owner can do one of two things after the animal attacked the rabid raccoon.

“She has two options; surrender for euthanasia or quarantine by double fencing enclosure and strict isolation for six months,” he said.

The dog’s owner says they are going to monitor him.

Farah says the dog was past due for his rabies shot by 20 days, and that's why they have to quarantine him for so long. He said this is a great reminder for everybody to make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies shots.