This is not alarmist. This is a fact: a rabid cat has just been found in East Brunswick near Riva Avenue and Ved Mandir Drive. It’s the second confirmed rabid animal in Middlesex County this year—and the first confirmed case in our town for 2025.
What makes this alarming isn’t just the public health risk—it’s the inaction from our township. East Brunswick is still operating under outdated ordinances that make TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) illegal. And that’s not just bad policy. It’s dangerous.
We now have a TNR Reimbursement Program—but that’s not the same as a legal ordinance. And make no mistake: without a TNR ordinance, this community will continue to be exposed to avoidable public health threats.
Rabies Is a Wake-Up Call
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services has been clear: rabies is a serious, highly transmissible virus. Cats, dogs, skunks, raccoons, and bats are the most common carriers. But only TNR ensures that outdoor cats are trapped, neutered, vaccinated, and returned—safe and sterile.
TNR includes rabies vaccinations. TNR reduces the outdoor cat population. TNR protects both animals and people. So why is our township still dragging its feet?
This Isn’t Just About Cats. It’s About Us.
By not legalizing TNR, the township sends a message: public health is not a priority. Humane practices are not a priority. Residents who volunteer time and money to control the cat population are not a priority.
And this silence is growing louder with every advisory. Every rabid animal found. Every opportunity missed.
This administration has had time. They’ve had data. They’ve had community support. And still—no TNR ordinance.
It’s Time to Act
The longer East Brunswick delays, the greater the risk to our pets, our children, and our community. Let this be the last advisory that ends in silence.
Email your town officials. Demand that they update the municipal code. Ask them why they are still opposing the only humane, scientifically proven way to manage community cats and prevent rabies outbreaks.
TNR is not a fringe idea. It’s practiced across New Jersey. It’s supported by veterinarians, rescue groups, and health experts.
We don’t need another advisory. We need action.
