Humane Society of Memphis

1256 Poplar Ave.

Memphis, TN 381304

901-555-1212

 

 

 

News Release

 

                                            FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

                                                                                                                      Itzel Macias Ibarra

                                                                                    Director of Public Relations

                                                                                    469-XXX-XXXX

                                                                                    itzelmaciasibarra@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

The Memphis Humane Society offering free rabies vaccines on Nov. 21

 

 

(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Nov. 11, 2020) Amid the rabies outbreak, the Memphis Humane Society will offer dog owners free rabies vaccines on Saturday, Nov. 21. The event will take place at one of its clinics located at 1256 Poplar Ave. from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is only offered to dogs.

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            The event will offer 150 free rabies vaccines on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who are not able to make it, the clinic offers rabies vaccines for $12 on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment. People can make appointments by calling 901-555-1212.

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            "By law, dogs are required to receive a rabies shot every three years," clinic director Julia Villarreal said. "We really encourage people to come out and get one for free."

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            The rabies outbreak started in downtown Memphis around Oct. 5, infecting 12 stray dogs and nine pets. All of them have been euthanized.

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            City officials are unsure about the origin of the rabies outbreak, but animal control authorities believe it's from raccoons. People have also reported seeing raccoons out during the day.

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            According to the Humane Society of the United States, raccoons may be out looking for food and are not dangerous.

A spokesperson with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Louis Crutchfield, recommends that people do not feed the raccoons or other wildlife in the area and to close all trash receptacles.

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Traps have been set out for raccoons by the city in different downtown areas. Out of the 11 caught so far, five have tested positive for rabies.

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About the Memphis Humane Society

The Memphis Humane Society is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1975. Its mission is to reduce animal overpopulation while making animal welfare better in the community by offering affordable pet services.

 

 

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