Town of Ossining to Address Animal Issues, Free Rabies Shots in Cortlandt

Following the recent news of a rabid stray cat found on James Street in Ossining, the County Health Department announced free rabies shots in August.

Vaccinations will be available for dogs and cats owned by Westchester County residents on Saturday, August 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Cortlandt Animal Hospital, 1 Dogwood Road in Cortlandt Manor. For an appointment, call Cortlandt Animal Hospital at 914-737-3608. 

“Vaccinating your pet against rabies will protect your pet and your family in case your pet has contact with a rabid or potentially rabid animal,” said County Health Commissioner, Dr. Sherlita Amler. 

One local resident has concerns over what she assumes must be a feral colony on James Street, recalling another rabid cat found there two years ago.

“I've been in contact with the Department of Health and County Executive Rob Astorino, as well as my local town officials, multiple times over the years about the dangers of, and prevalence of, rabid feral cats in Westchester...to no avail,” said Robin Stettnisch. She again urged Astorino, in a letter also posted on Patch, to protect the children of the county by addressing this problem.

The Town of Ossining intends to discuss this and animal issues – the other animal excitement in the news of late was the black bear sighting – at their July 16 meeting at the Ossining Public Library.

From Town Supervisor Susanne Donnelly’s update:

Bears, coyotes, foxes, dogs and cats are  just a few of the animals that residents have questions about. Lieutenant Nick Alongi (Town’s liaison from Westchester County Police) and Jim Horton (the Town’s animal control officer) will be present to discuss how to identify, coexist with, and (if necessary), report, our furry neighbors.

According to a press release from the Health Department, rabies is spread through the bite or saliva of an infected animal, most commonly raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. The disease, as we’ve seen in Ossining, can also hit stray cats or dogs, and in turn risk spreading to domestic animals who have contact with these animals.

An animal whose behavior seems drastically different – either tamer or wilder - would be a sign to look for. Also look for "staggering, spitting and frothing at the mouth,” the Health Dept. advises.

All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000. After hours, callers should follow instructions in the recorded message for reporting public health emergencies 24 hours a day. To learn more about rabies and its prevention, residents can also call the Rabies Hotline at (914) 813-5010 to hear a taped message, visit the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health