State-Mandated Dog Census Underway in Middle Township

COURT HOUSE – The Middle Township Department of Animal Control is currently in the process of conducting a state-mandated dog census in the community. The State of New Jersey requires every municipality to conduct a dog census every other year in order to properly register all dogs and protect the health of the community and their pets.
Members of Animal Control and the Middle Township Department of Public Works are currently canvassing neighborhoods in the Township to attain an accurate dog count. Employees are going door to door engaging in conversations with the public about the importance of conducting this census every other year.
“We certainly appreciate the cooperation of Middle Township residents on this important initiative”, said Middle Township Mayor Tim Donohue. “An accurate dog census as mandated by the state will result in an increased number of licenses and vaccinations that not only protects public health but also helps the animal control functions of Township government become self-funded”.
Earlier this year the Middle Township Committee announced that animal control services will be kept in the Township and no longer shared with other communities. This will result in a better level of customer service and increased compliance with animal-related issues. The dog census also serves as a public health initiative due to the presence of rabies in Cape May County.
The owners of all dogs seven months of age or older are required to annually apply to the licensing clerk of the municipality in which he or she resides for a dog license. In order for the license to be issued, the owner must present proof that a licensed veterinarian has vaccinated the dog against rabies and that the duration of immunity from that vaccination extends through at least ten months of the twelve-month licensing period.
An exemption to the rabies inoculation requirement shall be granted if the owner presents written certification from a licensed veterinarian that the dog cannot be vaccinated due to a medical condition or course of therapy.
For additional information, please visit www.middletownship.com. To contact Middle Township Animal Control, residents may call (609) 465-8700 or email Bill Candell at mtac@middletownship.com.