MIDDLETOWN, NJ – Middletown Township Animal Control responded to a call concerning a raccoon acting strangely on November 9, 2018 on New Monmouth Road near Lawrence Circle and Daniel Drive. The raccoon was in the vicinity of two dogs, but no direct exposure was noted. The animal was sent to the State Laboratory for testing. Laboratory results received on November 14, 2018 confirmed that the raccoon was rabid.
Residents should be reminded not to interact with wildlife under any circumstance. If you come across a sick or injured animal, keep your distance and please contact Animal Control at
732-615-2097 immediately or contact the Police Department at 732-615-2100 after hours and on weekends. Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies shot. Do not let your pets run free off leash, even in the woods, to ensure they do not come in contact with wildlife that may be rabid. Remember, Rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is the vaccination of your pets and not handling or interacting with wildlife.
The Middletown Health Department will be conducting another free dog rabies clinic on Saturday, December 1, 2018. Please click HERE if you would like to pre-register for the clinic. Pre-registration will allow residents to bypass the normal lines and go on the express lane.