Madison Animal Census
Cats and dogs in Madison are required by law to be immunized
against rabies and licensed. The Madison Health Department will be
conducting a Borough-wide census of all cats and dogs to ensure that they
have up to date immunizations and current licenses.
The census, which is mandated by the New Jersey State Department of
Health, will begin in June. Pet
owners are urged to be prepared for the census by immunizing and licensing
all cats and dogs in their household.
Many people have concerns about ‘newer’ diseases with lots of
media coverage such as West Nile Virus.
Since the late 80’s, 2347 people in the state of New Jersey have
been treated for rabies exposure. Rabies is completely preventable through
immunization and exercising precautions around unknown animals.
Health Officer John Theese advises residents to do all they can to
keep wild and stray animals from their property.
If garbage cans attract animals, they should be closed securely;
wet garbage (food waste, etc) can be kept in the garage, basement or shed. Chimneys should be capped and dampers closed; raccoons and
bats can easily gain entrance in an open fireplace chimney.
Pets should be fed inside because pet food attracts strays.
Garage and other doors should be kept shut.
The idea is to make one’s home uninviting to stray and wild
animals.
Pet
owners also must exercise caution if their own pets are in contact with a
wild or unknown animal. If a
pet has been in a fight with a wild animal or stray, owners are advised to
wear rubber gloves and protective clothing while caring for them.
Exposure to the saliva of a rabid animal present on a pet’s fur
may necessitate that the human undergo the anti-rabies vaccine series.
Residents are urged to be cooperative with the census taker and to
work with the Health Department to reduce the risk of rabies in our
community. Cat and dog
licenses are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
at the Health Department office in The Madison Civic Center, which is
located at 28 Walnut Street.
Applications must be accompanied by proof of rabies immunity
through 2008. Licensing questions may be directed to 593-3079 ext. 1 or 2.
