MIDDLETOWN – On December 8, 2018, Middletown Township Animal Control responded to a call concerning an incident in the area of Claridge Drive and Cherry Tree Farm Road where two dogs had a confrontation with a raccoon. It was unknown if the dogs had any direct exposure to the raccoon. The animal was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing as a precaution.The Health Department was notified on December 12, 2018 that the raccoon tested positive for Rabies.
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.
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