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Page 16 — Halton Hills This Week, Saturday, October 9, 1993 Rabies must be considered a community health hazard By Eileen Ross. With the new strain of rabies now ae animals in southern Ontario (particu- larly prevelant in sacoout) becoming more and more of a concern , thoughts of protection for pets and peo- ple are paramount. Although taking the nec- essary vaccination precau- tions will greatly reduce any & eo (3doors ~*_NUBOD iS EXERCISE EQUIPMENT $4 873-2611 Treadmills Steppers UniversalGyms __Striders Bicycles Weights & Benches lowers ccessories Ski Machines And More. 162 Guelph St., Georgetown jown from Barragers) chances of pets coming in contact with the rabies virus, there still are those pet owners who see rabies vaccinations for their pets as less than a priority. ere are areas in south- ern Ontario where fines are imposéd on any pet owner who does not get their pet immunized. These areas include; Ajax-Pickering- of OFFER YOU ONE-STOP SHOPPING mortga DAVE KRAUSE* * Sales Rep. LET ME HELP YOU FIND A HOME AND ARRANGE ALL OF YOUR FINANCING As a licensed real estate agent and a licensed consultant, | can save’ you time and money by serving you in both capacities. Whitby, Wellington- Dufferin-Guelph, the Kawartha, Haliburton and Pine. Ridge areas, the Hastings-Prince Edward area and Haldimand-Norfolk near London. Approximately 20 of the province’s 43 health dis- tricts have mandatory vacci- nation By-laws. However, the Region of Halton and the Town of. Halton Hills have no such By-laws in lace. Peter Wilmott, with Halton Region’s health office says that although Halton Hills and surround- ing region municipalities. do not have an immunization By-law, the new strain of rabies involving raccoons could prompt the region to reconsider. He added the By-law has not been put in place in Halton as yet, because there have not been enough cases to warrant it. Bob Ustrzycki, Town of Halton Hills By-law enforcement officer, said he had never heard of fining pet owners for neglecting to immunize their pets and added that perhaps the provincial government should be responsible for taking action since it has the authority to impound ani- mals found without leashes or licences:and provides grants for losses attributed to rabies. Ustrzycki said “You just can’t make a law because it sounds good.” Georgetown’ Animal Clinic Veterinarian, Ross Pezzack is familiar with the new strain of rabies attrib- uted to raccoons from the U.S..and says that “Paying a fine is a reasonable request because you are responsible when you own a pet to keep it, your family and your neighbors safe.” It’s important to have your pet vaccinated annually for its own sake because raies,| is fatal and testing to ine if the rabies virus is presbat in your pet can only. be done after it has been destroyed. There are cases in which a pet was suspected of rabies and was later determined to be healthy. Bear in mind however, that pets already sick or on medication may not respond to the vaccination. For a human who unknowingly comes into contact with a rabid animal — it could be a death sen- tence. The incubation period for humans could range from two weeks to six months. Last year, there were 1,305 cases of rabid animals reported in Ontario and over 2,000 people needed med- ical attention for suspected rabies. Dr. Ross Pezzack and Dr. Norah Menzies of Georgetown The cost for a series of» vaccinartion shots ranges from $600 to $800. A rabies vaccination By- law, passed at either town or regional levels makes a lot of sense, if only to. protect the health of residents of our own communitites — both two and four-legged. Animal Clinic (located at 4 Mountainview Road South ) ive Chelsea a rabies shot. Dr. Pezzack says “It is impor- gh tant all cats and dogs have their rabies shot because it (rabies) is a public health issue.” Photo by Simon Wilson/HHTW r SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17TH 57 Mill Street, Hillsburgh Directions: Take Highway #25 North to Mill St., Hillsburgh ™ 2-5 P.M. heduaoat Pte waka ogo tad baer neuhg an fac gard orth on Remodelled main bathroom. Ean kitchen. New windows in rooms, kitchen & family room. Call Dave Krause" to view. ome Large ranch style oa tata bye LO 2 aac nc a i wai ‘Alum. soffits & eaves 92, security system 2 0 9209 yo. fully enclosed, new tiner 93, new pump 92, large 2. Call Dave Krause" to view. your family SATURDAY, OCT.9 2-4 P.M. BA, Weston tn, 2p privacy featuring main floor F/R with F/P, large eat-in ftchen, paved drive & double car garage. Priced at $189,000. SUNDAY, OCT. uy Rb ahaa PM. ‘ited in ne Pouca on aie pana Krause* for ae lu FG) 1u have $5,750 Fiat fem tent? Get Comfortable 3 br. family home on quiet street in Hillsburgh. Sidesplit with double garage and lot back- ing on treed greenbelt. Town water! Recreation room with wood stove for cozy evenings. Shop for the handyman. Asking $169,000. 93-2-514 KIM ROLLINGS A “Sales Representative 2. 874-3040 1 he 877-5 165 JOHNSO ASSOCIATES Ex wt Za) YOAN ROLLINGS ales Representative