Upper Twp Free Rabies Clinic Will Be Held at Shore Veterinarians

SEAVILLE — Upper Township will hold its second free rabies clinic of the year Feb. 22, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Shore Veterinarians. The first clinic, which was Jan. 25, was not as busy as usual because of the frigid arctic weather conditions. The normal yearly clinic would accommodate about 100-200 pets drew only about 71 pets. But two of the visitors to the clinic were Mayor Rich Palombo and Committeeman Ed Barr, who oversees the animal control department for the township.
Committee Barr commented, “I was so impressed the way Dr. Holland and his staff at Shore Vets treated our citizens with the utmost respect and professionalism. I encourage all residents to take advantage of this important service our township provides to its residents. With a recent sudden rise in rabies incidents and attacks, we should take advantage of any preventative measures that are available to us, whether it’s a rabies clinic, trip to our personal vet or limiting human and pet contact with wildlife that will prevent the spread of this disease.”
Different species show different signs of the disease. Expect variations even within the same species, because few animals show all of the signs of rabies. Some signs are subtle and easily missed.
Dr. Holland of Shore Veterinarians states, “Unfortunately, you can’t tell whether or not an animal is rabid just by its behavior. Other diseases, such as distemper or toxoplasmosis, can also cause similar symptoms. An animal that’s been poisoned by lead, mercury, or antifreeze may also act “rabid.” The only way to prove that an animal is rabid is to test its brain tissue in a laboratory. That’s why it’s smart to take precautions.”
Doctors at Shore Veterinarians warns residents about the following rabies symptoms you may see in wild animals:
1. unprovoked aggression (“furious” rabies). Some animals may attack anything that moves, or even inanimate objects.
2. unusual friendliness (“dumb” rabies).
3. animal may stumble, fall, appear disoriented or uncoordinated, or wander aimlessly.
4. paralysis, often beginning in the hind legs or throat. Paralysis of the throat muscles can cause the animal to bark, whine, drool, choke, or froth at the mouth.
5. vocalizations ranging from chattering to shrill screams.
6. nocturnal animals may become unusually active during the day (remember, some daytime activity is normal, especially when nocturnal animals are feeding their young).
7. raccoons walk as if they’re on very hot pavement.
Skunks, raccoons, foxes, and dogs usually display furious rabies. Bats often display dumb rabies, and may be found on the ground, unable to fly. This can be very risky for children, who are more likely to handle wild animals than adults. In domestic animals, rabies should be suspected if you see a sudden change in disposition, failure to eat or drink, or if the animal becomes paralyzed or runs into objects.
The rabies clinic will be followed by the local animal control company Shore Animal Control patrolling for all unlicensed dogs. All owners of unlicensed dogs will receive a warning letter and license applications placed in the door of their home. All residents are urged to license their pets before the additional fines are added.
All 2013 dog licenses expired on Jan. 31, 2014 and all dogs are required to be licensed by local ordinance. All dogs in the township must have a current rabies vaccination to receive the license. The license fee is $4.00 for dogs that are spayed or neutered and $7.00 for dogs that are unaltered. A late fee of $6.00 plus the license fee will be imposed beginning March 1st with the late fee increasing by $1.00 each month thereafter. Shore Animal Control will be starting their annual census in the spring so residents are urged to license their pets now before the late fees begin. 2014 dog licenses will be available at the free rabies clinic, at township hall and online at www.UpperTownship.com A dog that carries a proper license can be easily returned to its owner if it becomes lost, or loose. Recovering a lost dog at a shelter can cost the pet owner at least $45, while all licenses cost under $7.
All residents are encouraged to make sure their pets have proper collar, identification and the rabies tag attached to the collar. Shore Animal Control officers have micro-chip pet scanners in their vehicles which makes returning a pet very simple. The company is encouraging residents to micro-chip their pets. Inquire about the low- cost service at the clinic. This could save your pet’s life.
For any information on licenses, please call the township clerk at (609) 628-2011 ext. 200.