SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1039 FILED ON: 1/20/2011
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1027
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_________________
PRESENTED BY:
Barry R. Finegold, (BY REQUEST)
_______________
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the passage of the accompanying:
An Act relative to Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats..
_______________
PETITION OF:
Name: | District/Address: |
Barry R. Finegold |
[District]
|
Joann Camilli | 778 Hildreth Street
Dracut, MA 01826 |
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1039 FILED ON: 1/20/2011
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1027
By Mr. Finegold, petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1027) of Finegold for legislation relative to rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats [Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government]. |
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE
SENATE
, NO. 784 OF 2009-2010.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
An Act relative to Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats..
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 145B of Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after the first paragraph the following:
Said owner may be exempted from the requirement of vaccination for one year if a valid letter of exemption is presented. A letter of exemption may be given if a medical reason exists that precludes the vaccination of the dog or cat. Qualifying letters must be in the form of a written statement, signed by a licensed veterinarian, that includes a description of the animal, and the medical reason that precludes vaccination. If the medical reason is temporary, the letter shall indicate a time of expiration of the exemption.
SECTION 2. Said section 145B of said chapter 140, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out the third paragraph and inserting the following paragraph:
In order for a dog or cat to be accepted at an animal hospital, veterinarian’s office or boarding facility an owner or keeper of such animal shall show proof of current vaccination against rabies or a valid exemption letter; provided however, that if a dog or cat has not been so vaccinated or such owner or keeper fails to show such proof of vaccination or exemption the animal shall be vaccinated against rabies prior to being discharged if the animal’s medical condition permits.
