Montclair Shelter Gives Safety Tips For Pets After Rabid Raccoon Found

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Animal Shelter has been offering local pet owners some advice after a rabid raccoon was found in the township earlier this month.

Montclair township officials previously released the following statement about the raccoon:

“The New Jersey Department of Health notified the township Health Department today that a raccoon found on Christopher Street on August 8 tested positive for the rabies virus. Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people. Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats. Residents are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals you do not know. Please do not feed stray animals. Be certain that your pets are licensed, vaccinated, and up to date on rabies vaccination.”

According to Montclair officials, some warning signs of neurological diseases like rabies and distemper include “appearing drunk or excessively wobbly, circling, seeming partially paralyzed, unable to climb, acting disorientated, or mutilating itself.”

“If you notice an animal acting strangely or if your pet has an altercation with any wildlife acting in an erratic manner or if you find a bat in your bedroom during overnight hours, please contact the Animal Control Service Request Line ASAP at 862-621-9113 to have an ACO dispatched,” officials said.

In the wake of last week’s advisory, the Montclair Animal Shelter followed up with two important suggestions for local dog and cat owners.

VACCINES, LICENSES – “In light of the recent rabies scare, Animal Control Officers want to remind all feline and canine owners in Montclair: township ordinance requires that all furry companions must remain up to date on their rabies vaccinations and be licensed in the township every year. We understand that COVID threw everybody for a loop and vet appointments were hard to get and the free rabies clinics have been put on hold, but pet owners are still responsible for ensuring that their pets are current on vaccinations and licenses annually. If you receive a summons in the mail, you will be responsible for fulfilling the ordinance requirements before the summons fine can be paid. Please check your pet's vaccination certificates and your pet's township license status ... you can find information on pet licensing here.”

OUT IN THE DAYLIGHT – “Please be aware that wildlife seen out during the daytime is NOT a sole indication of a problem. It is the behavior of the animal that determines whether there is an issue or not. Please be safe and be aware of your surroundings. A helpful tip before you let your dogs out in your yard at night is to make noise at the door as an audible warning to any wildlife that may be in the vicinity. After waiting a minute or two, it should be safe to let your dogs out. And when out walking your dogs at night, don't let them run ahead of you or run into the bushes or anywhere else to chase after any wildlife. Keeping your pets on a solid 6-foot leash keeps them close to you while getting exercised and is much safer than using an extended flexi-leash.”

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