A pet dog killed a raccoon that ended up having rabies, according to Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement.

Police were called to the 3400 block of Autumn Drive, Gastonia, at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. A resident's dog had killed a raccoon in the backyard of the home, according to police.

The dog was current with its rabies vaccinations and received a booster soon after the incident. The State Lab reported Friday, Dec. 2, that the raccoon was positive for rabies.

Animal Care and Enforcement notified the resident and conducted a neighborhood canvas in the area of Autumn Drive to notify the community of the positive rabies result and to verify rabies vaccinations for family animals in the area.

Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement stresses the importance of having an up-to-date rabies vaccination for all pets. By keeping your pets current on their rabies vaccines, you are protecting them from contracting the disease from wildlife and spreading the disease to your family and other animals, and people in the community.

Also, it is important to never handle or transport sick animals. The animal could have rabies. Gaston County residents should contact Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement to capture and transport sick animals.

This represents the 13th confirmed rabies case in Gaston County this year.