HB 4407 Text

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
FOR
H. B. 4407

(By Delegates Guthrie, Butcher and Manypenny)
(Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary)

[February 26, 2010]

A BILL to amend and reenact §19-20A-2 and §19-20A-5 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; all relating to rabies vaccination of dogs and cats; requiring that administered rabies vaccinations be capable of producing immunity for three years; requiring dogs and cats to be revaccinated every three years; and requiring rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats prior to entering the state.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That §19-20A-2 and §19-20A-5 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and reenacted, all to read as follows:
ARTICLE 20A. VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS FOR RABIES.
§19-20A-2. Vaccination of dogs and cats.
(a) A person who owns, obtains or possesses a dog or cat within the State of West Virginia shall have the dog or cat properly vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine capable of producing immunity for three years, boostered one year after initial vaccination and every third year thereafter. Dogs and cats need not be vaccinated before the age of three months, but must be vaccinated by the age of six months.
(b) Dogs and cats over six months of age entering the State of West Virginia must have been vaccinated for rabies as set forth in subsection (a) of this section prior to entry.
(c) A dog or cat may be vaccinated by any licensed veterinarian or his or her assistant. If there is no licensed veterinarian practicing in the county, a qualified person may be appointed by the county health department to administer vaccinations.
§19-20A-5. Type of vaccine to be furnished; fee.
It ~~shall be~~ is the duty of the veterinarian, or person vaccinating each animal to furnish vaccine of a type capable of establishing and maintaining immunity for a period of not less than t~~wenty-four~~ thirty-six months and he or she shall charge and collect a fee of not more than $8 for each animal vaccinated, if done at a clinic established by a county commission or, if vaccinated at any other place, he or she shall charge and collect a reasonable fee for his or her services.

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