Senate Bill No. 1282, now Public Act No. 25-7, amends the existing law regarding the quarantine period for dogs and cats exposed to rabies. The bill repeals the previous provision that allowed for a waiver request process to reduce the quarantine period from six months to four months, contingent upon proof of rabies vaccination within ninety-six hours of an attack. Instead, the new law mandates that the owner or keeper of any animal that has been attacked and may have been exposed to rabies must quarantine the animal for a minimum of four months.

Additionally, the bill requires that the animal be vaccinated against rabies as soon as it is medically appropriate, with the quarantine being directed by a licensed veterinarian or the State Veterinarian. This change emphasizes a stricter approach to rabies exposure, ensuring that animals are adequately monitored and vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 22-359f
ENV Joint Favorable: 22-359f
File No. 104: 22-359f
Public Act No. 25-7: 22-359f