Animal Services

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Animal Services has confirmed a case of rabies in a deceased fox found in Spring Lake. The fox was discovered on Nov. 22, 2024, after a resident in the 100 block of Carmichael Ln. reported a fox attacked their dog. The dog fatally injured the fox during the encounter. Animal Services officers responded to the scene, retrieved the fox’s body, and submitted it for rabies testing at the State Infectious Disease Lab. The test results confirmed the fox was rabid. The dog involved had a documented history of rabies vaccination, and no personnel were exposed to the virus during the incident.

All pet owners are urged to check the rabies vaccination status of their pets. If pets are not vaccinated or are due for a booster shot, they should be taken to a local veterinarian for rabies vaccination immediately.

Pet owners can bring their pet to Animal Services on Wednesdays from 2 - 4 p.m. and get a one-year rabies vaccination for $5. Animal Services is located at 4704 Corporation Dr., Fayetteville.

The first sign of rabies in animals is usually a change in behavior. Signs of rabies in animals can include aggressive behavior, attacking for no reason, or becoming very quiet. Wild animals can lose their fear of people and act tame. Rabid animals may walk in a circle, drag a leg, or fall over. Some cannot swallow, are unable to eat or drink, and often drool. Animals usually die within a week after first becoming ill.

Avoiding wild animals and keeping a safe distance from stray dogs and cats is the first step in preventing an animal bite. Any pet which appears to have been in a fight while outside should be handled with caution and seen by a veterinarian.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:

• Immediately wash the wound under running water for at least 10 minutes with plenty of soap.
• Seek medical attention/advice.
• Call Cumberland County Animal Services at 910-321-6852 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For emergencies outside business hours, call Cumberland County Emergency Services at 910-323-1141 or call 911.
• Go to the emergency room.

It is also important to vaccinate pets and keep their shots current. Pet owners are reminded that state law requires all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. Pet owners are subject to a fine of $100 for each unvaccinated dog or cat. Pets must be vaccinated when they reach the age of four months.

Learn more about vaccinations and Cumberland County Animals Services by visiting cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/animal-services.