SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga Animal Shelter, in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, will host a free rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sylacauga High School student parking lot.
The clinic is open to Talladega County residents only, with a limit of two pets per household. Pet owners are asked to bring animals on leashes or in carriers.
Officials say the clinic comes amid concerns that many local residents are not vaccinating their dogs against rabies, a disease that is 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear. Dogs are the leading domestic carriers of rabies, which can spread to humans.
Rabies vaccinations are required under Alabama law, and owners must maintain a current certificate. Vaccines are available in one-year or three-year options.
Organizers also noted an increase in local animal bite cases, warning that unvaccinated dogs involved in incidents could expose owners to criminal and civil liability.
