Middletown Cat Fought Rabid Raccoon, Health Dept. Says

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Township Health Department responded to a call concerning a sick raccoon in the area of Bellevue Avenue between Hamilton Avenue and Highland Avenue, the Twp. announced on Wednesday.

Middletown Animal Control captured the raccoon and it was sent to the State Laboratory for testing. Laboratory results received on April 3 confirmed that the raccoon was rabid.

The Health Department would like to alert residents to be on the lookout for a white cat with a lame back left leg and large wounds on it. This cat may have been in contact with, and exposed to, the rabid raccoon. If you see this cat, do not approach it or try to pick it up. Contact Animal Control immediately at 732-615-2097 or the Police Dept at 732-615-2100.

Feeding cats outside is very dangerous as it attracts wildlife, causing interactions between the animals. All cats in Middletown must be licensed and have a valid Rabies vaccination. Middletown Township defines an OWNER in Statute 137-1 as; “Every person having a right of property, or having custody or keeping a dog or cat, or who harbors, maintains, regularly feeds, or knowingly permits a dog or cat to remain on that premises occupied by that person."