JACKSON – With rabies becoming more of a problem, especially in rural areas, local government officials are using every means available to stem the growing threat.

In Northampton County, the local Health Department will begin a series of free vaccination clinics for pets. North Carolina law requires all dogs and cats, once they reach the age of four months, to be vaccinated for rabies. In addition, state law requires proof of vaccination by asking pet owners to attach a rabies tag (given following the vaccination) on the collars of their dogs or cats.

According to Northampton Health officials, the initial vaccination, regardless of the age of the pet, is good for only one year. All subsequent vaccinations are good for a three-year period.

The upcoming rabies clinics are also a good time for pet owners, those who no longer have a desire to own and care for these animals, to turn their pets over to the Rabies Control Office. This in turn will prevent these unwanted pets from becoming strays, a sad fact of animal life that makes them more susceptible to rabies.

Additionally, the Northampton County Board of Commissioners has approved a dog and cat quarantine for the month of April. All dogs and cats in the county shall be restrained, either by penning or leash, during this time. Dogs and cats roaming free during April will be picked-up by the Animal Control Officer.

Meanwhile, rabies vaccination clinics will be conducted throughout Northampton County during the month of April by Dr. J.E. Brown, County Veterinarian and Rabies Inspector, and B. Person Jr., Rabies Control Officer. Those clinics are as follows:

April 3

Suiter Brothers (Garysburg): 10-10:45 a.m.

Pleasant Hill: 11-11:30 a.m.

Gaston Town Hall: 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Gaston Community Center: 2-2:45 p.m.

Henrico Post Office: 2:50-3:20 p.m.

April 10

Margarettsville (Kitty’s Grocery): 10-10:30 a.m.

Northampton High School-East: 10:45-11:45 a.m.

Seaboard Fire Station: 12:50-1:35 p.m.

Gumberry Post Office: 1:40-2:15 p.m.

April 17

Rich Square Town Hall: 9:45-11 a.m.

Woodland (next to Dr. Stanley’s office): 11:15 a.m. until 12 noon.

Milwaukee: 1-2 p.m.

Conway (Garris Farm Supply): 2:05-2:50 p.m.

April 24

Jackson (Courthouse): 10-11:15 a.m.

Lasker: 11:30 a.m. until 12 noon

Pendleton Post Office: 1:20-2:20 p.m.

J.C. Long’s Farm Shop: 2:25-3 p.m.

There is no charge for Northampton County residents to have their dogs and cats vaccinated at any of these clinics. There is a $3 charge per vaccination for out-of-county residents. A fee will also be assessed for vaccinations given following the series of clinics.

For additional information, call either Dr. Brown at 539-2812 or Person at 534-5841.