Friday, April 26, 2024
Certified Animal Control Officer Kelly McNab has been the sergeant at Hood County Animal Control since 2013. As a result of her love for animals, McNab first became involved as a volunteer at Hood County Animal Control in 2011, and began working as an animal control officer there in 2012.
HOOD COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL
Certified Animal Control Officer Kelly McNab has been the sergeant at Hood County Animal Control since 2013. As a result of her love for animals, McNab first became involved as a volunteer at Hood County Animal Control in 2011, and began working as an animal control officer there in 2012.
Rabies is a contagious and fatal viral disease that can be transmitted from infected animals to humans through saliva, bites or scratches.
Keeping your pets vaccinated against rabies is the first line of defense to prevent your them from contracting the deadly disease.
Texas law states that the owner of a dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies at the time the animal is four months of age and at regular intervals thereafter. Your pet must remain current on the rabies vaccination at all times. We suggest you talk to your veterinarian for more information about the rabies vaccination.
Hood County Rabies Control Authority Kimberly Jordan stated, “A reminder to everyone feeding stray cats outside is an invitation for wildlife to share the same food supply. These animals could have possible rabies exposure and pass it onto your pets, along with the stray cats. We must all strive to work together to keep our pets safe by always having them current on their rabies vaccinations along with keeping them in a safe environment.”
In Texas the top five high-risk carriers of rabies are skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes and bats.
KEEP DISTANCE
We have had cases where a person thought it was normal behavior for a skunk to walk up to them so it could be petted. This is not normal behavior for wildlife. Healthy wildlife should run away from you, not come to you to be petted.
A local game warden stated, “It is best practice to observe wildlife from a distance. If approached by wildlife keep your distance. If you think the animal is acting out of character contact your local Animal Control.”
In 2020, Hood County had 21 confirmed positive rabies cases. From January 2021 through the latest count, there have been 11 confirmed local positive cases. There have been confirmed cases of rabies in surrounding areas as well.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start.”
If you see a wild animal in a location where a person or pet might come in contact with it, call Hood County Animal Control at (817) 573-4277 or Hood County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (817) 579-3311.
HOW TO CONTACT US
For after-hours animal emergencies, contact the Hood County Sheriff’s Dispatch by calling 817-579-3307.
Stop by Hood County Animal Control to meet your new FOREVER best friend! You also can visit our Facebook page at Hood County Animal Control, Tx., or contact us by email (hcac@co.hood.tx.us) or by phone at 817-573-4277.
hcac@co.hood.tx.us | 817-573-4277
