Senate Bill No. 1282 amends the current law regarding the quarantine period for dogs and cats that have been attacked and potentially exposed to rabies. The bill mandates that the owner or keeper of such an animal must quarantine it for a minimum of four months and ensure it is vaccinated against rabies as soon as medically appropriate. This new requirement replaces the previous six-month quarantine period and is to be carried out under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian or the state veterinarian.

Additionally, the bill eliminates the existing waiver request process that allowed for a reduction of the quarantine period from six months to four months if proof of rabies vaccination was provided within 96 hours of the attack. This change streamlines the process and establishes a clear minimum quarantine duration without the need for a waiver. The bill is effective upon passage and does not have any anticipated fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 22-359f
ENV Joint Favorable: 22-359f
File No. 104: 22-359f