New Jersey is no longer free of wildlife rabies, and there are no
effective methods known for directly controlling same, it is very
important that the "spillover effect" of wildlife rabies to domestic
species (i.e., dogs and cats) must be interrupted to protect human
beings from the transmission of rabies through their pets.
The rabies threat to humans from cats is greater because of the low
rabies vaccination rate of cats combined with their tendency to hunt
and explore at night, thus bringing them into direct contact with
wildlife.
Vaccination requirements. No person shall own or maintain any cat
over seven months of age within the Township, unless such cat is vaccinated
against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to cats held by a
state or federally licensed research facility, or a veterinary establishment
where cats are received or kept for diagnostic, medical or surgical,
or other treatments.
Any cat may be exempted from the requirements of such vaccination
for a specified period of time by the Board of Health upon presentation
of a veterinarian's certificate stating that because of an infirmity
or other physical condition, or regimen of therapy, the inoculation
of such cat shall be deemed inadvisable.
Vaccination certificate. A certificate of vaccination shall be issued
to the owner of each animal vaccinated on a form promulgated by the
Board of Health.
Any person who owns or maintains a cat of vaccination age shall,
during the month of January, annually apply for and procure from the
Township Clerk an official certificate of registration as to each
cat so owned or maintained. The certificate shall set forth the date
and type of vaccination and who performed the same. A fee of $5 will
be collected for each certificate.
Failure to obtain or have a current registration certificate shall
be punishable by a fine of not more than $25, plus expenses for a
first offense, and not more than $50 plus costs for each subsequent
offense.