Highlights

leash bylaw

cat no trespass

stray dog or cat

stoop and scoop

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cat identification

rabies

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City Bylaws

Rabies

Protect your family and your pet by ensuring that you have your pet vaccinated against Rabies every year.

Rabies is an infectious and contagious disease caused by a virus which affects the nervous system of all warm-blooded animals including humans. Once the symptoms appear, the disease is fatal. Rabies is usually spread by the bite of an infected animal. Infection can occur if the saliva of the infected animal enters an open cut or wound. The biting animals, such as the skunk, fox, coyote, dog and cat, are the most active spreaders of the disease.

Symptoms usually appear anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months. The symptoms of Rabies vary for each animal and the virus is present slightly before and during the time the animal is showing clinical signs of the disease. Changes in an animal's behaviour is the major indication of the disease. Rabies may take different forms, either "Furious" or "Dumb" or a combination of the two. Some animals die without displaying visible symptoms.

If you are bitten by a wild animal suspected of having Rabies: immediately wash the affected areas thoroughly with soap and water, consult your doctor and notify your local Health Unit.