As it is now, only Reed's signature is required. If a subject unrelated to the closed session were to be discussed, he could be charged with false swearing. But, we have been in compliance with the law. The Banks County Health Department and Commerce Veterinary Hospital will hold their annual series of rabies clinics from 1 to 6 p.m. at seven locations around the county. Last year, Banks County had one reported case of rabies, and a Commerce man bitten by a rabid animal in Banks County had to take the series of post-exposure shots.
Pets are most frequently the link by which rabies is spread from the wild to people.
But not only do the vaccinations protect people, they save animal lives. Standard operating procedure when a rabid animal is found is to destroy all of the domestic animals that had contact with the rabid animal. A lot of dogs and cats have had to be sacrificed because their owners did not get them protected. Other annual vaccinations can also be administered at that time. Last year, the clinics in Banks and Jackson counties resulted in more than 1,600 dogs and cats being vaccinated.