REPORT ON BILLS FAVORABLY REPORTED BY COMMITTEE

TITLE OF BILL:

AN ACT CONCERNING EXEMPTION FROM RABIES VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS.

SPONSORS OF BILL:

REASONS FOR BILL:

This bill would provide an exemption from state rabies vaccination requirements for certain pets if the exemption is requested by a licensed veterinarian and to protect the public health from possible rabies exposure in instances where the public is exposed to domestic animals in public settings.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

Department of Agriculture – Melanie Attwater-Young, Legislative Liaison – This bill will provide a process by which a dog or cat may be exempted from rabies vaccination requirements if a veterinarian determines that such vaccination may endanger the animal's life and authorize the Department of Agriculture to issue a rabies vaccination exemption certificate for that animal. It will also authorize Town Clerks to issue a dog license if the owner of a dog presents a rabies vaccination exemption certificate in lieu of a rabies vaccination certificate, and will authorize the Commissioner to institute measures to prevent the transmission of rabies associated with animals in public settings. The Department supports this bill.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Elizabeth A. Burne, JD, MSW – Resident, Town of Sharon - Strongly supports this bill as written.

Amy Stegall – Resident, State of Connecticut – Current state statutes place veterinarians in a difficult position and this bill will help to positively change that.

Robert E. Lauria – Resident, City of New Britain, CT – Strongly supports this bill.

Edward A. Dimmick, DVM – Norwich, CT – Supports bill with technical changes.

Kristina Hanson – Resident, City of Norwalk, CT – Strongly supports this bill.

Patricia Kemble – Resident, Town of New Fairfield, CT – Strongly supports this bill.

W. Jean Dodds, DVM – Vaccinations of pets with certain medical conditions or of advanced age can cause severe medical harm to these animals. Strongly supports this bill.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

None expressed.