This bill mandates specific consumer disclosures regarding rabies testing for dead domestic companion animals and establishes optional training for veterinarians. It amends existing law to require health officials or veterinarians to provide the animal's owner with both a paper and electronic copy of the Department of Health's VPH-35 Rabies Testing Notification Form before any rabies testing is conducted. The notification must include details about the necessity of testing, protocols for handling and disposing of the animal's body, and the consequences of misrepresenting this information, which is classified as a violation of the consumer fraud act. The bill also extends the record-keeping requirement for notifications from six months to three years.

Additionally, the bill directs the Division of Consumer Affairs to create a pamphlet and poster that inform the public about rabies vaccines and testing protocols, which veterinarians must distribute and display. Furthermore, it establishes an optional trauma-informed mental health protection training certification program for veterinarians and their staff, aimed at promoting mental health awareness and support within the veterinary field. Completion of this program will result in certification from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:4-86.2