Rabies prompts change on dog licenses

By Michael R. Ebert
michael.ebert@newsday.com

Reflecting a change in state law, Huntington Town has modified its dog licensing regulations with an eye toward combating the spread of terrestrial rabies. So far this year, 15 rabid raccoons have been confirmed in Suffolk County, all in the Town of Huntington.

Under the amendment, licenses are now required for all dogs four months of age — down from the previous six months — and licenses may not extend past the expiration date of a dog’s rabies certificate. In addition, county public health authorities must offer free clinics at least once every four months for the rabies vaccination of dogs.

“The main intention is to ensure that vaccinations are occurring at an earlier age,” said Bruce Richard, Huntington’s director of public safety. “Rabies is a serious disease.”

Late last month, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services dropped 64,000 fish-meal baits containing oral rabies vaccine targeted for raccoons in wooded areas of northwest Huntington. Another 19,000 were distributed by truck. According to officials, raccoons are attracted to the bait—which poses no threat to humans or domestic animals — and become immunized when they consume it.

“There is a high probability that other raccoons are also infected in these areas,” said Humayun J. Chaudhry, Commissioner of Suffolk County Department of Health Services, who noted the most recent raccoon was found on Watch Way in Lloyd Harbor on June 27. “[We] have waited until now to bait because in July baby raccoons are old enough to eat it.”

Amended by the state’s Agriculture and Markets Department, the new licensing laws are another way to combat the disease, which is nearly always fatal in unvaccinated animals, officials say. Specifically, dog licenses remain available through the town clerk’s office, pricing at $7.50 for a dog that’s been spayed or neutered and $15.50 for a dog that hasn’t. Most importantly, applicants must provide a valid rabies certificate with their application.

Also, although the ID tag is permanent, the license must be renewed every year.
“If your dog isn’t licensed, or if you haven’t renewed the license, it’s time to do so,” said Richard, noting that licensing benefits extend beyond the vaccination requirements. “Pets are lost everyday, because they’re not wearing tags and can’t be returned to owners.”

According to health officials, the county is scheduled to bait again next month to vaccinate any raccoons that the July baiting might have missed.