The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1282, aims to amend the current quarantine requirements for dogs, cats, and other animals that have been attacked and may have been exposed to rabies. The bill repeals the existing provision that allows 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 post-attack. Instead, the new language mandates that the owner or keeper of the animal must quarantine the animal for a minimum of four months and have it vaccinated against rabies as soon as medically appropriate, with the quarantine being directed by a licensed veterinarian or the State Veterinarian.

This change is intended to streamline the process and ensure that all animals exposed to rabies are subject to a consistent minimum quarantine period, thereby enhancing public health and safety. The bill emphasizes the responsibility of the animal's owner or keeper to comply with these new requirements, which will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 22-359f