County to host five rabies clinics
By Steve Herring
Published in News on March 2, 2011 1:46 PM
Wayne County Animal Control Director Vicki Falconer Tuesday morning reminded county commissioners of the county's two upcoming rabies clinics for cats and dogs.
"The owner of any dog or cat over four months of age must have the animal vaccinated against rabies," she said. "That is a state law. Any animal receiving its first rabies vaccination must receive another dose one year later and every three years thereafter."
Proof of rabies vaccination is required for the animal to receive the three-year vaccination, she said.
"So when you come in you have to have the tags and certification from the vet that did the vaccination or from our clinic," she said. "If proof is not provided the animal will receive a one-year vaccination then start that cycle over again."
The cost of the vaccinations will be $10 per dog or cat.
The first series of clinics will be held Saturday, March 12 at:
* Eastern Wayne High School from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
* old Pikeville School building from 1-3 p.m.
* Animal Adoption/Education Center (shelter) on Clingman Street from 3:30-5 p.m.
The second series of clinics will be held Saturday, March 19, at:
* Grantham School from 8:30- 11 a.m.
* Southern Wayne High School from 1-3 p.m.
Commissioner Andy Anderson said it is good that the county provides the clinics, but questioned whether or not something similar could be done about heartworms.
"Is there anyway we could look at that program for the future. I know that we can't right now," he said.
"Basically we could, but they have to be diagnosed through a vet to be able to get heartworm medicine and I don't have a vet on staff," Ms. Falconer said. "If there was a vet who could do the clinical part of that then yes, it probably is something that could be done."
Anderson asked Ms. Falconer if she could speak with the veterinarians who give the shots during the rabies clinics.
Ms. Falconer said that she could look into it. She also noted that the animal control advisory board meets Monday.
"They are talking about, she has come with some ideas about changing their hours to be more conducive to the public," County Manager Lee Smith. "She is doing a good job in trying to be more available to the public for animals for adoption."
For more information people may call the shelter at 731-1439 between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.