PRINTER'S NO. 978
No. 849 Session of 2001
INTRODUCED BY GREENLEAF, KITCHEN, COSTA, FUMO AND KUKOVICH,
MAY 7, 2001
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS, MAY 7, 2001
AN ACT
1 Amending the act of December 15, 1986 (P.L.1610, No.181),
2 entitled "An act providing for the establishment and
3 operation of a Statewide system for the prevention and
4 control of rabies; imposing additional powers and duties on
5 the Departments of Agriculture and Health; providing for
6 emergency declarations; fixing penalties for violations; and
7 making an appropriation," further providing for the
8 definition of "cat" and for rabies vaccinations.
9 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
10 hereby enacts as follows:
11 Section 1. The definition of "cat" in section 4 of the act
12 of December 15, 1986 (P.L.1610, No.181), known as the Rabies
13 Prevention and Control in Domestic Animals and Wildlife Act, is
14 amended to read:
15 Section 4. Definitions.
16 The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
17 have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
18 context clearly indicates otherwise:
19 "Cat." A carnivorous mammal scientifically known as Felis
20 Catus which spends any part of any 24-hour day in a residence
1 inhabited by a human being or on the premises of a State-
2 licensed private, breeding or dealer kennel.
3 * * *
4 Section 2. Section 8(b) of the act, amended July 1, 1987
5 (P.L.184, No.23), is amended to read:
6 Section 8. Vaccination required; certificate and tag.
7 * * *
8 (b) Other persons.--
9 (1) [Owners of State-licensed private or breeding
10 kennels and operators] Operators of State-licensed nonprofit
11 kennels who have been examined and certified by the
12 department under this subsection may administer rabies
13 vaccine to animals which are [either owned by the private or
14 breeding kennel or which are] in the possession of the
15 nonprofit kennel.
16 (2) The department shall develop, implement and
17 administer a comprehensive rabies vaccination instruction
18 program encompassing a written examination, which, if
19 successfully completed, will lead to departmental
20 certification. The department may assess a fee for the
21 program and examination. All fees received and all costs
22 incurred shall be deposited in or expended from the Dog Fund.
23 The department shall promulgate all rules and regulations
24 necessary to implement this subsection.
25 (3) [State-licensed kennel owners and operators]
26 Operators of State-licensed nonprofit kennels who obtain the
27 required certification shall:
28 (i) Purchase and administer an inactivated rabies
29 vaccine for vaccination of dogs and cats only from a
30 licensed veterinarian or a source approved by the
20010S0849B0978 - 2 -
1 department.
2 (ii) Administer the vaccine in an approved manner.
3 (iii) Maintain detailed records for at least three
4 years which indicate:
5 (A) The name, type, lot number, date of purchase
6 and date of administration of the rabies vaccine.
7 (B) A detailed description of the animal
8 vaccinated.
9 (C) The name, address and telephone number of
10 the person who administered the vaccine.
11 * * *
12 Section 3. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
C30L03JS/20010S0849B0978 - 3 -