The 12/1/2008 Board of Health meeting minutes have been posted.

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The December 1, 2008 Board of Health meeting minutes have been posted.

"...
Rabies Protocol - Cat Licenses – Mr. Stephen Papenberg, Health Officer of South Brunswick Township and Treasurer of the New Jersey Local Boards of Health, spoke to the Board regarding
cat licensing. Mr. Papenberg provided the following information:

• A copy of the Ordinance adopted by South Brunswick Township in 1988 was provided.

This Ordinance was enacted as a result of a rabid raccoon.

• An average of 18-20 rabid cats per year are found within the State of New Jersey. So far this year there have been 15 rabid cats. There have only been five (5) rabid dogs within the State over the past 25 years.

• An Ordinance could allow for the waiver of fees in certain instances.

• The South Brunswick Ordinance excludes non-domesticated cats located upon farmlands.

These cats were excluded because farm cats are not necessarily among the population.

• An emphasis needs to be made that licensing is mainly to provide proof of rabies vaccine.

• Another positive fact is that cat licensing would allow a lost and picked up cat to be returned to its owner.

• A problem with the catch, neuter and release program is that an initial rabies vaccine is only valid for one (1) year and it is extremely difficult to re-catch and/or verify vaccination of such cats. Another problem with this program is a liability issue; specifically, who becomes the responsible party for the program, for vaccinations, for any injury caused by cats within the program, etc.

• Approximately 1/3 of municipalities within the State have cat licensing ordinances. South Brunswick Township has approximately a 60% compliance rate.

• The State Department of Health, Office of Animal Welfare, supports and would like to see enacted a statewide licensing requirement.

• The major educational push in support of the ordinance is that if a cat is infected, it has a six (6) month quarantine period or it must be euthanized.

• For more information, the Township could consider a presentation, which includes experts such as David Papi, Director of the Middlesex County Public Health Department, and/or Dr. Michael Young, Township Veterinarian. The presentation should raise awareness of rabid raccoons and bats being found in Cranbury.

An issue was raised regarding the danger of cats wearing collars with tags. Dr. Notterman suggested that, as part of any Township program, cat owners could be provided with the opportunity to have digital photographs of their cat(s) placed with the licensing records for identification purposes.

The Board discussed the best way to involve the Cranbury Township Committee in the issue. Pari Stave, Township Committee Liaison, will be contacted. Mr. Van Hise indicated that the Board, via its Chair, could attend a Committee meeting with experts to present information for feedback.

Mr. Papenberg suggested that the Chairwoman send a memorandum to the Township Committee attaching a copy of a model ordinance and asking for comments. Dr. Notterman opined that the memorandum should also include specific provisions being considered by the Board, i.e. fee waiver provision, no collar option, digital photograph consideration, etc.

The Board of Health should ask David Papi and Dr. Michael Young for recommendations and letters of support.

A question was raised if the Board could designate where the money collected from the licensing fees could be applied, i.e. for animal control, upkeep of the database, etc.

General information regarding rabies will be put in the Township’s newsletter. Jessica Smith will provide something from the Middlesex County Public Health Department.

AED Equipment in Public Places – The Secretary will contact Charlie Smith of the Cranbury First Aid Squad to inquire if they would want to maintain the equipment located in Town Hall. She will also inquire if the training includes BLS (basic life support) as well as AED training.

Vaccinations for Township Employees - The Animal Control Officers, Jerry Thorne and Bruno Bertucci, have received the entire three rounds of rabies vaccinations.

Pandemic Plan – A link to the State’s Pandemic Plan will be put on the Township’s website.
...

http://www.cranburytownship.org/BOH_minutes_2008_dec01.pdf

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"• Approximately 1/3 of municipalities within the State have cat licensing ordinances. South Brunswick Township has approximately a 60% compliance rate."

Interesting...

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