Newtown’s Favorite Pet Project:  The Annual Rabies Vaccine Clinic

A long line of local pet owners snaked its way into and through the gymnasium at Edmond Town Hall on Saturday, June 2, providing them with a one-stop way to get rabies vaccinations for their dogs and cats, as well as annual dog licenses.

During the two-hour program, veterinarians Dr Neal Warner of Newtown Animal Clinic and Dr Rosemarie Cherrie of Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals gave rabies shots to 182 pets, 105 of which were dogs, and 77 of which were cats, said Town Clerk Cynthia Curtis Simon.

The town clerk’s office issued 74 dog licenses at the program. The state requires that dog owners show proof that their dogs have been vaccinated against rabies to obtain dog licenses.

The town clerk’s office, in cooperation with the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, sponsored the low-cost rabies vaccination clinic. The June 2 session was the 16th annual rabies clinic held locally. Members of the Newtown Woman’s Club helped conduct the clinic.

Ms Simon said the 182 rabies shots given on June 2 was the highest number of rabies shots administered at such a clinic since 1996. The number of dog licenses issued was the highest since 1995.

The event was significantly busier than last year’s clinic when 120 rabies shots were given and 44 dog licenses were issued.

The rabies virus in the saliva of infected animals enters a victim through a skin puncture or an open wound, affecting the central nervous system. It is fatal to both animals and humans. Post-exposure vaccinations are available for humans but must be given before the onset of symptoms since there is no cure once symptoms appear.

Because rabies is a public health threat, it is important to protect pets from the virus. Protecting pets also helps to maintain a barrier between humans and possible rabid wildlife.

Dogs six months of age and older must be licensed annually during the month of June. The new licenses are available at the town clerk’s office at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street. The office is open Mondays through Fridays, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. For more information on dog licensing, call the Town Clerk’s office at 270-4210.