Press Release By: Gaston County Police
On Saturday 12/6/25, at approximately 1:00 pm, Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement received a call in reference to a dog that had possibly been exposed to a skunk showing neurological issues in the 800 block of Spring St. Cherryville, NC. The dog had a current rabies vaccination, but also received a booster shot from the family veterinarian. There was no human contact with the skunk.
Animal Care and Enforcement Specialists investigated the incident and impounded the skunk on Saturday 12/6/25. The skunk was sent to the NC Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh on Monday 12/8/25. The official laboratory results were received on Tuesday 12/9/25 at approximately 12:30 pm, indicating that the skunk tested positive for rabies.
Enforcement Specialist completed a neighborhood canvass in the area of Spring St. Cherryville, NC on 12/9/25 to notify the community of the positive rabies results, and verify rabies vaccinations for family pets in the area.
The Gaston County Police Department Animal Care and Enforcement Division stresses the importance of having a valid rabies vaccination for all pet’s health and safety, as well as the health and safety of their owners and community.
Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement also notified Gaston County Department Health and Human Services about the incident.
This represents the 19th confirmed rabies case in Gaston County this year.
