Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - With multiple cases of rabies popping up in Cherryville in a short time frame, the Association for the Welfare of Animals (AWA), with the help of Cherryville Animal Hospital volunteers, is doing everything it can to prevent more cases. The most recent cases have been caused by skunks, both of which have been caught by Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement. These recent cases have both been in the Mary's Grove Road area of Cherryville, suggesting a possible outbreak in the wild animal population of the region.
Enforcement specialists have conducted several sweeps of the area to prevent further attacks on pets. So far, no human has had contact with any of the affected wild animals. The attacks by these skunks have exposed several pets to rabies, one of which passed away as a result. A common thread in these cases is that the pets were unvaccinated, thus increasing the risk to themselves and their owners.
It is essential to ensure your pets are vaccinated for rabies, as this is a legal requirement in NC. However, this can be challenging with current economic conditions. That's why, on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, the Association for the Welfare of Animals will be hosting free rabies vaccinations at NAPA of Cherryville. This event is at 1313 Shelby Highway, Cherryville, NC, 28021.
Vaccinations ready to be given out to animals in need - October 18th, 2025
Rusty Wise (WNN)
These vaccinations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will begin at 9 AM and ends at 2PM. All pets must be either leashed or in a crate for their own safety. If you provide proof of your pet's previous vaccination, they will receive a 3-year booster instead.
This isn't the only way AWA helps the local animal community. Their main program is to perform as a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) organization. While these stray animals are in their custody, they also test them for common problems such as heartworms and FIV. They achieve this by partnering with several low-cost spay and neuter clinics, as well as the Cherryville Animal Hospital.
AWA and Cherryville Animal Hospital volunteers collecting donations and giving rabies tags to help support their mission of animal welfare - October 18th, 2025
Rusty Wise (WNN)
As mentioned by President and founder Allison Still, they also host fundraisers to cover the cost of emergency visits for pets whose owners would otherwise be unable to afford care. To learn more about the work they do, head to our full article on AWA here.
Additionally, you can visit the event listing for this vaccination clinic here.
Event Info: 1313 Shelby Highway, Cherryville, NC. November 15th, 2025, from 9 AM to 2 PM.
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