Free Pet Vaccines And Microchipping Event Set For May 1 In Summerville

Pet owners in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to protect their animals at no cost during an upcoming free vaccination and microchipping event.

The event is scheduled for Friday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tractor Supply, located at 11788 Highway 27 in Summerville.

Organizers say the clinic will offer rabies vaccines for dogs and cats, DHPP vaccines for dogs, FVRCP vaccines for cats, and microchipping services.

The event is being held for dogs and cats belonging to Chattooga County residents and is sponsored by the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia in partnership with the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

All dogs must be on a leash and all cats in a crate.

Officials say the event is a great opportunity for pet owners to ensure their animals are up to date on vaccinations and properly identified.

Red Cross Highlights Free Pet First Aid Resources During Awareness Month

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross is encouraging pet owners to take advantage of free tools that can help them respond quickly when a dog or cat faces an emergency.

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“Beau’s Law” Passes Alabama Legislature, Awaits Governor’s Signature

A bill known as “Beau’s Law” has passed through the Alabama Legislature, aiming to establish stricter statewide standards for how dogs are treated—particularly those kept outdoors.

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USDA To Drop Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits Across Chattooga County Region

Low-flying aircraft will be seen across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture begins distributing oral rabies vaccine baits to help prevent the spread of raccoon rabies. The baiting effort is scheduled to take place from April 7 through April 15 as part of a larger cooperative program involving USDA Wildlife Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and other agencies.

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Dog Bite Incident Reported On Seventh Street In Summerville, Owner Cited

A dog bite incident reported in Summerville on March 26, 2026, led to a citation for the animal’s owner, identified as Mildred Crusoe, according to a Summerville Police Department incident report.

Police said the incident happened around 4:39 p.m. in the area of Seventh Street at Fairground Road, with the report listing the address as 166 Seventh Street in Summerville.

According to the officer’s narrative, a man told police he was riding his bike on the opposite side of Seventh Street when a large black dog ran after him and bit his right ankle. The officer reported seeing a tear in the man’s pants leg near the ankle, though the victim said the dog did not break the skin.

The victim told police he wanted to press charges. The responding officer also noted there had been prior issues involving a dog at that address and said a report would be filed along with a citation for the owner. The report states Crusoe was later issued a citation in connection with the incident.

Officials remind residents to ensure pets are properly restrained, tagged, and under control to prevent injuries and avoid citations.

Georgia Lawmakers Pass Animal Cruelty Database Bill

Georgia lawmakers have approved legislation that would create a statewide animal cruelty database aimed at protecting pets and preventing repeat abuse.

The bill, known as Senate Bill 587, requires the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia to build and maintain a publicly searchable registry of individuals convicted of certain animal cruelty offenses.

Under the proposal, courts would be required to submit conviction and sentencing information, and the database would be updated regularly and available to the public at no cost.

Supporters say the registry will help animal shelters, rescue groups, and even private citizens screen potential pet adopters and avoid placing animals in dangerous situations.

The measure passed both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly and now heads to the governor’s desk, where it could soon become law if signed.

Trion Recreation Department Announces New Dog Park Entry Requirements

The Trion Recreation Department is reminding residents that new requirements are now in place for those wishing to use Brinley’s Dog Park in Trion.

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Arctic Cold Grips the U.S., Red Cross Shares 10 Steps to Stay Safe

Winter is settling in with bitter cold and frigid wind chills—enough to make anyone shiver just thinking about it. Forecasters expect a surge of Arctic air to spread across a large part of the country, from the Midwest to the Northeast, and the cold could linger into next month. With temperatures and wind chills dropping, the risk of frostbite and hypothermia rises, so safety experts say it’s important to take simple precautions now.

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Cold Weather Safety for Pets: Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite During Arctic Conditions

Cold weather can be dangerous for pets, with real risks of hypothermia and frostbite—especially for short-haired, small, elderly, or sick animals. The safest plan is simple: keep pets indoors as much as possible, limit time outside, and take a few extra precautions when they do go out.

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Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper Urges Georgians to Prepare for Extreme Cold, Winter Storm Impacts

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper is urging Georgians to prepare as extremely cold weather moves into parts of the state, with a potential winter storm expected to bring ice and snow beginning Friday night and lasting through the weekend. Harper says it is critical for pet and livestock owners to take precautions now to keep animals safe and warm, and he also warns that prolonged power outages at agricultural and food production facilities can lead to economic losses and serious food safety concerns.

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