Cumberland dog owner suspects rabies, shoots family pet

The owner suspected the dog had rabies, but tests at the state health lab in Raleigh were inconclusive.

Animal control officers were warning residents of the Hinsdale Avenue area to keep an eye on their pets for signs of the disease and to avoid contact with wild animals, said Sally Shutt, spokeswoman for the county.

It is the first possible rabies case recorded in the county in 2012, Shutt said.

Anyone who sees a possibly rabid animal is asked to notify Cumberland County Animal Services by calling 910-321-6852 Monday through Friday or the sheriff’s office at 919-323-1500 after hours and on weekends and holidays.