On Friday, Aug. 5th, 2022, Millcreek Township supervisors sent the following Public Safety Release to the media:
Public safety remains Millcreek Township’s highest priority. Whether it is responding to dangerous altercations, monitoring neighborhoods for unlawful activity, or aiding residents in a time of need, the Millcreek Police Department and Animal Enforcement dependably serve and protect Millcreek Township.
It is with this in mind that Millcreek Township’s Animal Enforcement Officer responded to a call about a stray cat on July 29th at 2:34 p.m. on the 3200 block of Berkley Street. The caller explained that a stray cat who had been roaming around the neighborhood for at least a week had walked uninvited into the caller’s home.
Upon arrival, the officer observed the cat and immediately noticed that the cat was host to several parasites, was not wearing a collar with an owner identity tag and displayed no rabies vaccination tag. In addition, no identification microchip was identified.
Employing standard industry precautions that are specifically designed to mitigate the spread of animal borne illnesses, the officer used a catch pole to remove the cat from the home. The cat reacted aggressively and risked the safety of all parties involved.
Out of an abundance of caution, the cat was euthanized in accordance with Pennsylvania’s Animal Destruction Method Authorization Law, specifically out of an interest to public safety and because of the potential for the community spread of rabies and other animal borne diseases. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) expressly recommends that all animal owners ensure that their pet is regularly vaccinated against rabies, spay and neuter the animal, and limit their exposure to other wildlife. More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/healthypets
Millcreek would like to take this opportunity to encourage residents to practice responsible pet ownership by following CDC guidelines. In addition, Millcreek would like to remind residents that abandoning cats in neighborhoods and parks is against the law. Animals can be taken to The Human Society located at 2407 Zimmerly Rd, Erie, PA 16506 or call them at 814-835-8331 for more information.
