SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1303        FILED ON: 1/14/2009

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 784

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Nine

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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.