ELIZABETHTOWN — Citizens in Bladen County may see some changes in the upcoming countywide rabies clinics. Dr. N.W. Midyette, who has performed the service for the county for about 50 years, will step aside this year and Dr. Douglas Gensel of Elizabethtown Veterinary Clinic will perform the service, according to Bladen County Health Director Wayne Stewart.

“Dr. Gensel agreed to perform the clinics,” said Stewart. “There will not be as many clinics, but they will be held for a longer period of time.”

In years past, the clinics had been held at numerous locations around the county for about 30 minutes at each location. According to Stewart, the idea being studied by the animal control board is to make the rabies clinics more of a fun day-type of event that would include such things as vendors bringing pet supplies, micro-chipping services, educational materials and other items.

The county is required by state law to provide or work with another department to provide countywide rabies clinics, said Stewart.

The N.C. General statutes are also very clear on pet owners and their responsibility to vaccinate their pets against the disease.

“It is state law that any cat or dog over the age of four months has to be vaccinated against rabies,” said Stewart.

According to Stewart, those folks who do not have their pets vaccinated are in violation of state laws.

“The bottom line is this is an opportunity for folks to get their animals vaccinated,” said Stewart. “Having your pet vaccinated against rabies saves the pet’s life and could even save your own life.”

According to Stewart, the animal control board is considering a March date for the clinics to begin. 

“I’ve been doing it for 50 something years,” said Midyette on Friday. “As far as I know, he’s going to do it.”

“People simply don’t realize what is involved in doing these clinics,” said Stewart.