Department of Agriculture, PA Veterinary Medical Association Remind Pennsylvania Pet Owners to Maintain Up-to-Date Rabies Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association president Dr. Kate Harnish today reminded Pennsylvanians of the importance of getting back on track with regularly scheduled pet vaccinations and boosters. Maintaining up-to-date vaccines is not only important for the health and well-being of cats and dogs, but for the health and safety of Pennsylvanians.

“As we work to safely reopen Pennsylvania and counties move from red to yellow and green phases, it’s important for Pennsylvanians to schedule well visits for their four-legged companions to keep them up to date with necessary vaccines and boosters, especially rabies,” said Agriculture Secretary Redding. “Because of its ability to be transmitted from animals to humans and its fatality rate, rabies vaccines and boosters are incredibly important to be maintained.”

By Pennsylvania law, all cats and dogs three months of age and older are required to have current rabies vaccinations. Even pets that are indoors only are required to be vaccinated. Each year, dog wardens visit neighborhoods across Pennsylvania to conduct dog license and rabies compliance checks. Owners of pets without current rabies vaccines can face fines of up to $300.

“Veterinarians cannot express enough how important it is to keep your pets up to date on vaccination, especially rabies. When dogs and cats are not vaccinated, it puts them, you, and us at risk. Treating a sick pet without a current rabies vaccine can be problematic, as even the friendliest pets will bite and scratch when they are stressed and do not feel well,” said PVMA president Dr. Kate Harnish. “Vets may have to report these incidents to the PA Bureau of Animal Health, recommend quarantine, or even take more drastic measures such as euthanasia. This is the time of year when potentially rabid wildlife could interact with your pet. Vaccination results in overall improved health.”

Rabies is a virus of the central nervous system that can affect any mammal, it is widespread throughout Pennsylvania. It is of great public health concern because it can be transmitted to humans and is nearly 100 percent fatal without post-exposure treatment. Since 2000, between 350 and 500 animals in Pennsylvania annually are confirmed in a laboratory to have rabies. The most commonly affected animals are raccoons, bats, skunks, and cats. The last diagnosed human case of rabies in Pennsylvania was in 1984. The best way to prevent the spread of rabies and protect human health is vaccination of domestic mammals.

For more about Rabies in Pennsylvania visit pa.gov/guides. For a current map of rabies cases in Pennsylvania, visit agriculture.pa.gov.

For information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit agriculture.pa.gov/COVID. For the most accurate, timely information related to Health in Pennsylvania, visit on.pa.gov/coronavirus.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Ambridge, Pa.) Ambridge street sweeping resumes Monday, June 15, 2020 . Residents are asked to observe parking restrictions on the street  signs posted in each neighborhood. Borough Manager Joe  Kauer  said warnings will be issued in advance  as a reminder  on the streets during the street sweeping hours.  Enforcement begins on the 15th and continues through October 9, 2020.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Beaver County District Attorney David J. Lozier reported a short time ago that Aliquippa resident Sheldon Jeter’s preliminary hearing was continued. DA. Lozier said it will be held on Thursday, June 25 at 1 p.m. Jeter was charged with criminal homicide  following the death of Tyric Pugh, 22 of Aliquippa  on Friday night  May 15. According to Beaver County Coroner David J. Gabauer Pugh died as a result of multiple gun shot wounds  to the head and chest .

(Pittsburgh,Pa.) After a peaceful group of thousands of protesters gathered in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood yesterday afternoon to protest the death of George Floyd the Young man who died in police custody in Minnesota a small group of the protesters split off once the protest reached the area of a target store and began to  damage businesses in the area. Pittsburgh Police via their twitter account said they started to throw rocks and other items at law enforcement, and smoke was thrown after officers gave numerous orders for them to disperse.

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said nine officers were injured. All officers were evaluated and released from the hospital. The vandal broke at least four windows, but it doesn’t appear any businesses were looted. Two protesters were transported to the hospital with injuries that they said they got from bean bags. Hissrich said 20 people were arrested last  night, which included four people who are not from Pennsylvania.

(Pittsburgh,Pa.) The man who is accused of vandalizing a Pittsburgh Police Vehicle during the protests on Saturday turned himself in to Pittsburgh Police late yesterday afternoon. Brian Bartels was wanted in connection with breaking the windows out of a marked Pittsburgh police vehicle Uptown against the wishes of peaceful protesters who tried to stop him. Pittsburgh Police say that is what sparked an increase in violence during the protests.

Police obtained a search warrant for Bartels home on Sunday and during the search police found several items inside the home including 2 firearms, books, gloves, cans of spray paint, indica, and a sweatshirt with white writing on the front was found on top of the dryer in the laundry room.

Police got tipped off to Bartels after they got a call from someone who identified him from social media and watching the protest unfold on local TV Stations.

Bartels faces charges of institutional vandalism, rioting, and reckless endangerment of another person.

Thieves blowing up, stealing ATMs across Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Police say thieves are blowing up and stealing ATMs across Philadelphia. Explosions were heard throughout the city overnight as at least ten machines were vandalized, mainly at neighborhood convenience stores and gas stations. Police say the thieves usually set off explosive devices and made off with the cash. In other cases, they would steal just the machines. WPVI-TV reports an ATM was snatched from a mini-mart on West Rockland Street and the windows of a gas station on North Broad Street were smashed before thieves drove off with the ATM. There are no reports of injuries.

Biden looks to clinch nomination as 7 states, DC vote
By STEVE PEOPLES AP National Political Writer
MONTCLAIR, N.J. (AP) — Joe Biden is hoping to seize the delegates needed to formally clinch the Democrats’ presidential nomination as seven states and one territory vote. Tuesday’s elections will be the largest slate of presidential primaries in almost three months. Voters and campaigns alike will be asked to navigate curfews, health concerns and a sharp increase in mail balloting as voting takes place from Maryland to Montana. Many political groups are focusing on Pennsylvania, which represents a high-profile test case for the November general election. Biden needs to win 89% of all delegates at stake on Tuesday to formally clinch the nomination.

New York City imposes 11 p.m. curfew amid Floyd protests
By JENNIFER PELTZ and KAREN MATTHEWS Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City is imposing an 11 p.m. curfew as the nation’s biggest city tries to head off another night of destruction erupting amid protests over George Floyd’s death. New York on Monday joined other cities around the country in imposing curfews after days of violence. Its curfew will last from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio said. The limitation on 8.6 million people’s movements come on top of coronavirus restrictions and as the mayor and governor deplored the outbreaks of violence, but also criticized some police actions.