Quinton committee considers moving rabies clinic after poor turnout and equipment concerns

Quinton Township committee members discussed whether to change the township’s traditional February rabies clinic after the February 2026 event recorded very poor turnout and operational challenges.

The clerk reported that only 25 animals were vaccinated at the February clinic because extreme cold and icy conditions reduced attendance. The fire company said they typically move trucks before the event but that snow removal had blocked building entrances and the extreme cold posed risks to firefighting equipment (including the possibility of water freezing in pump lines). Fire Company representative Don Perry-Ferry described those facility and operational constraints during the discussion.

Committee members noted that county clinics are scheduled across municipalities to space events and that Quinton historically held its clinic in February. Changing the date would require amending the ordinance that establishes the March 1 deadline for late fees on dog licensing. Solicitor Vigilante suggested the township adopt a temporary resolution to hold penalties in abeyance during any transition so residents would not be penalized while a new schedule is being established.

Mayor Joseph Hannagan recommended conducting a dog census after noting only 35 dog licenses had been issued for the current year, which committee members said could indicate compliance issues.

The committee agreed to explore options, coordinate with the county health department, local clerks and veterinarians, and return with recommendations before making a final decision.