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HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FREE RABIES SHOTS FOR CATS, DOGS, AND FERRETS OCTOBER 2nd

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BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

NEW CITY, NY, – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announce free rabies shots (vaccinations) are available for cats, dogs, and ferrets belonging to Rockland residents by appointment only on Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Robert Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona (Follow the complex signs for Building D). An appointment is required for each animal. The shots are free; however, a $5 donation per animal will help defray our costs.

To register for an appointment, please visit http://rcklnd.us/rabiesvax. For assistance making an appointment, call (845) 364-2656. Please check Facebook.com/rocklandgov for any cancellations before arrival.

“There is no treatment for rabies. The good news is this disease can be easily prevented via a rabies vaccine. We remind all Rockland County residents to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up-to-date,” said Dr. Ruppert.

To get their free rabies shot:

  • Your dog, cat, or ferret must be healthy.
  • Your pet must be older than three months.
  • Your dogs must be on a leash.
  • Your cats and ferrets must be on a leash or in a top-opening container.

New York State law requires that all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Owners can be fined up to $250 if they fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep them up-to-date. All animal bites and animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to The Rockland County Health Department at (845) 364-2656. After hours, callers should contact the sheriff at (845) 364-8600.

“Your pets depend on you to keep them healthy. Please take advantage of this opportunity and vaccinate your pets. Vaccinating your dog, cat, or ferret is the best way to protect them and the other members of your family from this disease,” said County Executive Day.

For more information on animal rabies or the rabies vaccine, call the Rockland County Department of Health at (845) 364-2656 or visit our website: http://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/environmental-health/rabies/. 

County Lifts Stage II Water Emergency

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Families Urged to Continue Reducing Water Usage

New City, NY – County Executive Ed Day and Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert have lifted the Modified Stage II Water Emergency, effective immediately, that has been in effect since Thursday 8/18/2022 in Rockland County and instead shift restrictions from mandatory to voluntary.

Dry conditions have led to unprecedented flow levels in the Ramapo River which limited the use of Veolia’s Ramapo Valley Well Field, a significant source of water for Rockland residents, which triggered the water emergency. 

Water usage has fallen about 15% in Rockland County since mandatory restrictions were enacted and families are urged to continue limiting usage and keeping outdoor watering to a minimum.

“I want to thank our residents and businesses for taking this water emergency seriously. Thanks to your diligent efforts, water usage is down 15%,” 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐲. “While restrictions are no longer mandatory, we are still urging everyone to continue to keep water usage to a minimum.”

The decision was made Wednesday by the County for several reasons including recent rainfall which has driven up water levels up in the river and Lake DeForest Reservoir. Additionally with poliovirus still circulating, we are encouraging more frequent handwashing and we don’t want families in the County to limit indoor usage that could impact hygiene care. Lastly, we know families have been struggling already with record-high inflation and high gas prices and want to shield them from the 25% surcharge, implemented by the Public Service Commission, which would have taken effect this weekend.

“Staying out of the water emergency largely rests with the continued cooperation of Rockland residents,” added County Executive Day.

These water saving measures, which primarily impact outdoor water usage, apply to all residents and businesses, regardless of whether the water is from a public supplier or private well.

Water Use Recommendations:

Lawns

Lawns may be watered twice a week. 

Gardens & Landscape

Flower gardens, vegetable gardens and landscaped areas (trees, shrubs, potted plants or other outdoor plants) can be watered every other day. 

Other Recommendations:

  • Nursery facilities and golf courses should continue to exercise a water conservation plan which reduces average monthly usage by 10%.
  • Water should not be used to wash any paved surfaces (public or private) such as streets, sidewalks, driveways, tennis courts, garages, parking areas and patios, except as required for an emergency.
  • Water should not be served in restaurants unless the patron requests it.
  • The use of flow-through (non-recycled) fountains, artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools should continue to not be used.
  • Water should not be used for flushing sewers or hydrants except for emergencies.
  • All water leaks should be repaired within 48 hours.

Continue to use water efficiently indoors with low-flow shower heads and toilets (look for the Water Sense label if purchasing new fixtures), fix any leaks, sweep rather than wash paved surfaces, run only full loads in washing machines and dish washers, don’t use toilets to dispose of tissues, and consider switching to high-efficiency appliances when it’s time for replacement.

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