Ohio is considering a bill that would mandate
rabies vaccinations for all pet ferrets.
July 1, 2008
SmallAnimalChannel.com
Under House
Bill 446, ferret owners, keepers or harborers in Ohio must make
sure their pet is properly vaccinated at all times or face a penalty
of $50.
Ferrets that are exempt from vaccination requirements
include
- instances in which the ferret’s well-being would be endangered
by a vaccination against rabies as determined by a veterinarian;
- a ferret that is confined to the premises of an organization or
a nonprofit corporation that is devoted to the care of, or providing
hospital treatment for lost or homeless animals;
- a ferret that is confined for research purposes at a facility registered
under the U.S. Animal Welfare Act;
- a ferret that is confined to an animal shelter.
Owners, keepers or harborers of a ferret that
is vaccinated against rabies in another state and later moves to Ohio
must provide proof of vaccination for the animal to the board of health
of the health district in which they reside.
The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, an industry
trade group representing retailers, companion animal suppliers and
hobbyist groups, among others, states that this type of legislation
is not uncommon. For example, most states require cats to have rabies
vaccination and require owners to provide proof of the vaccination
upon demand.
PIJAC urges ferret owners to consult with their
veterinarian to determine whether their pets fall within a vaccination
exemption.
The legislation currently sits in the Senate Committee on State & Local
Government & Veterans Affairs, where it waits for a committee hearing.
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