David Laughlin
The Duncan Banner
DUNCAN —
A rabies vaccination for pets is required under Duncan city ordinances. The only problem is, for whatever reason, not everyone complies with the rules. Dr. Carolyn McLemore of Countryside Veterinary Services of Loco and Duncan Animal Control are teaming up to tackle at least one aspect of the problem, financial inability to do so.
McLemore and animal control are teaming up to offer low cost rabies shots from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Pirkle Pavilion, behind the swimming pool on U.S. Highway 81, Saturday.
McLemore discussed the importance of vaccinations for animals.
“It is so vitally important because there is no cure for rabies,” she said. “Once an animal is possibly infected, they have to be quarantined for six months or euthanized.”
McLemore dispelled any notion that rabid animals are a “country” problem and not a city problem.
“Just this last weekend a rabid skunk attacked and bit two dogs,” McLemore said. “Skunks that are in town the same as they are in the country.”
McLemore said rabid animals can be aggressive and stressed the importance of educating children not to touch any wild animals or dogs or cats they don’t know.
McLemore targets Duncan twice a year to offer low cost rabies vaccinations. In addition to Duncan, she also offers the same low cost vaccinations to Velma, Comanche and Loco. McLemore said the turnout in Duncan is usually between 200 to 300.
“It’s what we like to give back to the community,” McLemore said. “We don’t get much, but we are getting the animals vaccinated.”
— David Laughlin is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 144, or via e-mail at david.laughlin@duncanbanner.com.
