Low-Cost Rabies Clinic

Town Clerk Cindy Simon advises Newtown dog and cat owners that the town clerk’s office will be conducting a low cost antirabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, June 17, from 1 to 3 pm, at the Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main Street.

There are no residency requirements. Public Act 91-46 requires all cats and dogs, 3 months of age or older to be vaccinated against rabies.

Although rabies is rare among humans, it is almost always fatal. The virus, in the saliva of infected animals, enters a victim through a skin puncture or open wound. It affects the central nervous system.

Rabies moved up the East Coast in 1991 and has been detected in every town in the state. So far, well over 5,000 animals have tested positive in Connecticut since 1991. Of these, nearly 4,000 have been raccoons and around 1,000 have been skunks. The remaining several hundred cases have been confirmed in cats, foxes, woodchucks, cows, dogs, horses, sheep coyote, goats, squirrel, deer, otter, ferret, bobcat, and rabbit.

It can be legitimately argued, however, that these numbers represent only a percentage of the total, due to the fact that not all animals suspected to have rabies are tested after their deaths.

The cost is $15 cash only per animal. Due to the increasing incidence of rabies, written proof (not tags) of prior vaccination for rabies or a current dog license must be presented to quality for a three-year certificate. Tags are not acceptable.

A one-year certificate will be given to all others.

This is in compliance with the Directive of the State Veterinarian.

State law requires that all pets vaccinated for the first time in 2005 must be vaccinated again in 2006.

Owners should check their pets’ rabies vaccination certificates for the expiration date. Collar tags and certificates of vaccination will be provided as required by law.

All dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers.

Those attending the low cost rabies clinic may also purchase the new 2006 dog licenses at that time. Anyone planning to do so is reminded that if they bring their pet’s spay/neuter certificate, they will qualify to pay a lower license fee.

Contact the town clerk’s office for further information at 270-4210.