Throughout the fall Erie County is focused on the health and wellbeing of all its residents, and their pets. In this column I provide an overview of some important events and services.

The county will hold two free rabies clinics this month. If your pet is due for the rabies vaccinations, please plan to attend one of the following clinics:

• Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Erie County Fire Training Academy, 3359 Broadway (near Union Rd.), Cheektowaga.
• Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Erie Community College North Campus, Noonan Center Maintenance Garage, 6205 Main Street (off of Youngs Rd. or Tech Dr.), Amherst.

The following requirements must be met in order to receive the rabies vaccination:

• Pets must be at least 3 months old.
• Proof of previous rabies vaccination must be provided to receive a three-year certificate; otherwise a one-year certificate will be issued.
• All dogs, cats and ferrets must be restrained using a leash and/or pet carrier.
• No person shall be allowed to have more than three (3) pets in line at one time.

Ensuring that your dog, cat or ferret is up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations is important for the safety of the greater Erie County community. Thank you to all the responsible pet owners who take the time to vaccinate.

For additional information about rabies, please CLICK HERE. 

Also, this past summer the Sheriff’s Office announced that drop-off sites for pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications have been set up. This provides residents an opportunity to properly dispose of unwanted or expired medications at any time, removing many risks from the home. My district includes drug disposal kiosks at Erie Community College’s South Campus in Orchard Park and Springville Town Hall. For more information, please call 858-7695 or visit www.erie.gov/sheriff.

The popular free guided walks in Erie County Parks series returns this fall. Walks include Sept. 21 at Sprague Brook Park; Oct. 19 at Chestnut Ridge Park; and Oct. 26 at the County Forestry in Sardinia. Registration for all walks begins at 9 a.m.; signs will be posted at the park entrance directing walkers to the starting point. CLICK HERE for the complete fall 2013 schedule. 

I also want to thank everyone who attended the Hot Dog Roast Fundraisers to benefit District 11 libraries this summer. I will soon be announcing the grand total of funds raised as it was an impressive year. In many of the libraries the results of these fundraisers will be quite noticeable. One library is planning to improve its multi-media center while another is investing in its Building Fund to improve a new community room.

Anyone with questions about county events or services can contact my Legislative Office at 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov.