The proposed tightening of controls on pets has come about because of the outbreak of the rabies problem locally. Town Officials are trying to address the problem. The by-law would add a number of items, but one is that cats must be licensed and immunized after April. Prior to that, only dogs needed to be licensed. After April, if a cat is found running at large without an identifying tag or other means of identification showing the cat is licensed and vaccinated, it will be euthanized immediately.
Dogs have a longer grace period.
Hall was referring to immediate euthanization. If you want protection against rabies, you need a buffer zone. You need a vaccinated population. If you conduct a sweep and wipe out every stray in St. Stephen, you have brought the battlefield to your doorstep. Dr. Hall said anything with fur can carry rabies, including rats and mice, horses, cows and pigs.