PA Governor Signs Costs of Care of Seized Animals Act and Medical Exemption from Rabies Vaccination

On July 9, 2013, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett signed two pieces of legislation into law, SB 155 as Act No. 65 and HB 82 as Act No. 50. 

Act No. 65, previously SB 155, amends the Rabies Prevention and Control in Domestic Animals and Wildlife Act.  Most notably, this law provides for a medical exemption from rabies vaccination.  Further, this law clarifies when rabies vaccinations are due to be given to cats and dogs, requiring that all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies within four weeks after reaching three months of age.  For more information, please see our previous blog post concerning this legislation.

Act No. 50, previously HB 82, the Costs of Care of Seized Animals Act, would allow municipalities and humane shelters to petition the court to recover all reasonable costs of care for animals seized from owners charged with violation of Pennsylvania’s anti-cruelty statute.  The reasonable costs of care recoverable under the statute include food, water, shelter and documented veterinary expenses.   For more information, please see our previous blog post concerning this legislation.

Written By Gaby Gilbeau – Research Assistant

The Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center

July 11, 2013