By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
It pained Tom Huffman to have his five dogs euthanized after they were exposed to a rabid skunk.
Huffman, of 1402 Peeler Road, was not at home when the attack happened. He said his neighbor actually called the Rowan County Animal Control.
The incident was reported Sept. 30 and is identified as the 17th case of rabies this year.
The neighbor found a dead skunk in the dog lot. The dogs were all Jack Russell terrier mix, Huffman said.
Original information from an Rowan County Animal Control report identified the dogs as a chihuahua mix and said Huffman found the skunk.
The skunk tested positive for rabies. The dogs were not current on their rabies vaccinations and would have to be quarantined for six months.
Huffman said he called several veterinarians who gave him different prices.
The lowest price quoted was $27,000 for all five dogs for six months. He was unable to pay that, he said.
The dogs had to be euthanized. Huffman is still upset about having to put all the dogs to sleep, he said.