MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. -- Mecklenburg County Animal Control officials are warning of a rash of rabies cases. Through this fiscal year, 19 animals have tested positive for the disease. That's nearly twice as many as last year.

"Rabies is caused by a virus and hence once an animal is affected with the virus, there is no treatment for it, and it is always fatal," said Animal Control veterinarian Dr. Mary Blinn.

If a pet comes in contact with a rabid animal and does not have a rabies vaccination, Dr. Blinn says there are only two options – put the animal to sleep or board the animal for six months. That comes at a minimum cost of $2,500.

"There's really no excuse for not protecting your pet because we're offering them for free," said Blinn. "Over the last two weeks, we've had to euphemize several animals because they came in contact with a rabid animal and they themselves were not protected."

Richard Meek was working in his backyard last week in Cotswold when he was attacked by a raccoon.

"I didn't hear him coming and suddenly, he was on me. He grabbed on to my hand and would not let go," Meek recalled.

The raccoon clamped down on his gloved hands. Meek ran over to a nearby trashcan and threw the animal inside.

The animal turned out to have rabies.

Meek is now taking rabies shots. Despite this entire ordeal, Meek has kept a sense of humor about being attacked by a raccoon.

"I wear a little cap. I was thinking about getting a rear view mirror and sticking it on my cap," he said.

Humane Society and Animal Control organizations throughout the region frequently offer free or low-cost rabies vaccination clinics.

Mecklenburg County is holding a clinic Saturday morning, May 19, from 7:45 p.m. until 10:45 p.m.

They are located at 8315 Byrum Drive. You can call (704) 336-3786 for more information.