Ontario SPCA Conducts Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics in Cornwall and Akwesasne

The clinics took place at the Native North American Travelling College in Akwesasne and at the Agora Catholic Centre in Cornwall. They aimed to improve access to essential veterinary care for pet owners who might face barriers in obtaining vaccinations. This event is part of a broader initiative by the Ontario SPCA to vaccinate 500 animals against rabies throughout the month.

Dr. Joey Tang, the Medical Director of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, "Rabies is a deadly disease, but it is preventable through vaccination. By making this essential preventative care more accessible, we’re helping protect pets, the people who love them and our communities."

Rabies poses a fatal risk to all mammals, including humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies to safeguard pets and mitigate the spread of rabies within communities.

World Rabies Day, observed annually on September 28, focuses on raising awareness regarding rabies prevention. The theme for this year, “Stronger Together,” underscores the significance of collaboration among communities, veterinary professionals, organizations, and public health entities in combating rabies.

The Ontario SPCA acknowledges the support from Boehringer Ingelheim for providing rabies vaccines for the clinics, along with the veterinarians, volunteers, community partners, and donors essential to this initiative.

As a registered charity without annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on donors and partnerships to support its animal health and welfare programs across the province. For more information about rabies prevention and the Ontario SPCA's veterinary care initiatives, visit ontariospca.ca/worldrabiesday.