01/05

HOUSE BILL 243

AN ACT relative to a rabies immunization exemption.

SPONSORS: Rep. S. Merrick, Coos 2

COMMITTEE: Environment and Agriculture

ANALYSIS

This bill establishes an exemption from immunization against rabies for
certain animals.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and
struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted
appears in regular type. [Neither of which appeared here or in the
original e-mail.  BIG]

27Mar2007... 0209h

07-1072

01/05

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Seven

AN ACT relative to a rabies immunization exemption.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Court convened:

1 Rabies; Exemption Added. Amend RSA 436:100 to read as follows:

436:100 Rabies Vaccination Required; Exemption.

I. Except as provided in paragraph II, every dog, cat, and ferret 3
months of age and older shall be vaccinated against rabies. Young dogs,
cats, and ferrets shall be vaccinated within 30 days after they have
reached 3 months of age. Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets acquired
or moved into the state shall be vaccinated within 30 days after
purchase or arrival, unless under 3 months of age, as specified above.
Every dog, cat, and ferret shall be revaccinated at such intervals and
with such vaccines as the commissioner shall specify from time to time.
In rabies infected areas, dogs, cats, and ferrets recently vaccinated
shall be kept under control for at least 30 days before being allowed
to run free.

II. A rabies immunization exemption may be issued, where illness or
a veterinary medical condition warrants, by the local rabies control
authority upon the written recommendation of a veterinarian licensed
under RSA 332-B. The recommendation shall also be signed by an American
College of Veterinary Internal Medicine diplomate and the state
veterinarian. The exempted animal shall be maintained in strict rabies
isolation, under conditions that are at the discretion of the local
rabies control authority, until such time as the medical condition has
been resolved and the animal can be immunized against rabies. Exempted
animals shall not be allowed outdoors without being on a leash and
shall be under the direct physical control of an adult owner at all
times. In addition, when the animal is outdoors, it shall be muzzled
in a manner approved by the local rabies control authority.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2008.

[Posted in FML 5563]