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Rabid raccoon in Carolina Beach euthanized after fighting with dog

Rabid raccoon in Carolina Beach euthanized after fighting with dog

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A rabid raccoon in Carolina Beach was euthanized on Sunday, according to a news release from Sergeant J.J. Brewer with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

Animal Services was called to pick up a raccoon on South Fourth Street in Carolina Beach that had possibly fought with an owned dog. The dog was current on its rabies vaccinations but it was handled by its owners after the incident, which potentially exposed them to the virus, Brewer said.

The raccoon was euthanized and sent to the state lab. Officials then notified the Animal Services Unit that the raccoon had tested positive on Tuesday, making it the sixth positive case in the county during 2012. Brewer said the victim was notified of the positive results and ASU staff verified that the dog was given a rabies booster vaccine.

Officials are expected to canvass the area to educate the public about rabies vaccines.

Last weekend for dogs on the beach

Last weekend for dogs on the beach

KURE BEACH, NC (WECT) – This is the last weekend dogs are allowed on the beach in Kure Beach for the season.

According to the Town’s ordinance, no dogs are allowed on the beach between April 1 and September 30 of each year.

Offenders are subject to a fee of $150 for the first offense and a misdemeanor charge for the second offense.

The Kure Beach Police Department is authorized to strictly enforce this rule.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

Sheriff’s Office plans free rabies clinic for Saturday afternoon

Sheriff’s Office plans free rabies clinic for Saturday afternoon

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The first of four free rabies clinics will be held on Saturday, March 17.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Support Services Division is hosting the clinic from 1 until 3 p.m. at the Animal Services Unit, located at 180 Division Drive.

One-year rabies shots will be administered, according to Sgt. J.J. Brewer. If you request a three-year rabies shot, you have to provide prior rabies history documentation.

For more information, call 910-798-7500.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

Fundraiser helps shelter dogs adjust

Fundraiser helps shelter dogs adjust

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - There are lots of people helping to rescue animals, but sometimes they need a little extra help adjusting to life outside a crate or kennel.

The Sunburst Foundation is one of the nonprofit groups helping homeless dogs and they asked me to spread the word about an event this weekend.

The English Garden, located at 2317 Market St., is closed and the owner is selling items from this shop on Saturday, March 10 from 7 until 11 a.m.  Garden items, like fountains, patio furniture, and plants will be reduced to clear out the inventory. 

Remington is the name of the dog pictured at the top of this article. He is a recipient of lots of donations and some extra training to help him adjust to life after the shelter. "Several of our canines who have issues with other dogs, have been found to lack self confidence. They are getting special attention while attending Happy Dogs Play Camp in Leland," said Linda with the Sunburst Foundation.

 Melanie and Joe Heller are the owners of Happy Dogs Play Camp. The training they do helps enhance the dogs adoptability.

The Sunburst Foundation needs donations for  medical needs and this training program in particular.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

Visitors get hands-on experiences with animals at aquarium

Visitors get hands-on experiences with animals at aquarium

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Over 2,100 people showed up to attend the Scales and Tails event at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Saturday, according to an aquarium spokesperson.

Guests received hands-on experiences as they learned about turtles, snakes and lizards.

Visitors got the chance to hold pythons and boa constrictors, and were able to feed tortoises.

The event runs through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

With regular admission to the aquarium, the event is free.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

Dare to bear it for the 8th annual Polar Plunge

Dare to bear it for the 8th annual Polar Plunge

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) – Dare to bear it this weekend for Special Olympics New Hanover County.  The annual Polar Plunge will take place Saturday in Carolina Beach.

The gates will open at 11:00 a.m. for the event and feature live music, a silent auction, costume contest and food.

Participants will line up for the plunge at 3:00 p.m. and head into the ocean at 3:05 p.m.

According to the event website, this is the second year dogs are allowed to plunge with their owners.  Those participants will be in a specific area for the plunge.

You can register online for the event now: $50 or $30 for students with ID’s.  All of the money will benefit the Special Olympics in New Hanover County.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.