Houston County’s third case of animal rabies in 2007 has been confirmed by the County Health Department.

Carol Luck feels anything but lucky after hearing there was a rabid raccoon in her neighborhood.

She has lived on South Pontiac Avenue in Dothan for six years and recently received a note on her front door about the rabid animal.

“I have a child and dog and hate to leave them outside in case another comes up,” said Luck.

Health Department officials say a resident on South Pontiac found a raccoon fighting with their dog.

The resident requested the Health Department test the raccoon.

Veterinarian Bryan Bain is the Houston County rabies officer for 2007 and he reminds everyone to stay away from wild animals and get your pets vaccinated.

Dr. Bain says, “Alabama law requires all domestic animals vaccinated if three months or older.”

Vaccinating your animals will give you more than just luck, it will protect your animals from contracting rabies.

South Pontiac Avenue is near the Dothan Country Club.

Health Department officials want to warn everyone in the area to be on the lookout for stray animals, especially nocturnal ones that are out in the daytime.

In 2006, there were 22 rabid animals found in Houston County. They included 18 raccoons, three foxes, and one bat.