(ITHACA, NY, September 18, 2024) – Tompkins County Whole Health’s Environmental Health Division (EH) must locate a dog that bit a person on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at approximately 8:15 PM, near 920 North Cayuga Street, near the intersection with Jay Street, in the City of Ithaca. For additional clarification of the location, the business “Hair Etc. Salon” is located near the intersection where the incident occurred.
The dog was described as a medium sized (approx. 70lbs or less) tan dog, possibly a pit bull mix, wearing a harness that also had an ID tag, and was being lead on a leash. The dog was accompanied by a male, with average build, approximately 5’8”-5’10” tall, wearing dark sweatpants, a white, sleeveless T-shirt with short length, brown or dark colored hair. They were heading north when the incident occurred.
EH seeks to verify vaccination status and health of the biting dog through an at home observation over a ten-day period. If the dog can be located and observed to be healthy by EH, the risk of rabies infection can be ruled out and rabies post-exposure treatment for the person who was bitten will not be necessary.
Anyone with information regarding this dog is urged to call EH at (607) 274-6688. Staff are available at this number to take calls related to rabies and bites, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We would like to remind the public the importance of getting bites checked as soon as possible to determine if rabies post-exposure treatment is needed.
Tompkins County Whole Health reminds everyone to:
- Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals.
- All cats, dogs and ferrets must have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four months of age. Keep vaccinations current! Check our website for free rabies vaccination clinics. Our next upcoming clinic will be held on Friday, October 18, from 6pm-8pm in Groton.
- Report the following incidents to Tompkins County Environmental Health at 607-274-6688:
- All animal bites or scratches.
- Any human or pet contact with saliva or other potentially infectious material (brain tissue, spinal tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid) of wild animals or any animal suspected of having rabies.
- All bat bites, scratches, or any mere skin contact with a bat, or a bat in a room with a child, or sleeping or impaired person.
Further information can be found at: tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/rabies.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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