Did you know that local animal control departments were originally created to protect the public from the spread of rabies by requiring all pets be vaccinated annually? According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the last human case of rabies in Dallas County was in 1956, so it is working. But rabies is still a threat. There have already been two reported cases of rabies in Dallas County this year – one in a skunk and the other in a horse. Just one unvaccinated dog or cat exposed to rabies by an infected animal poses a serious health risk to everyone it comes in contact with. Please vaccinate and register your pet, for your own safety and your neighbors.
You can read more about Dallas’ ordinances affecting pets in the July issue being delivered now, review rabies cases, maps and statistics from the Texas Department of Health Services, or find out more about registering your pet from Dallas Animal Services.
