New bill would let Delaware's sick, disabled dogs, cats and ferrets skip rabies shots

Delaware lawmakers on Tuesday afternoon passed House Bill 214, which would let sick or disabled dogs, cats and ferrets skirt a rabies vaccination if the vet decides the shot would be bad for the pet's health.

The vet must declare the shot would "endanger the animal’s health" because of its "infirmity, disability, illness or other medical considerations," the bill reads. 

The new law would apply to dogs, cats and ferrets.

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The vet can use a lab test to help make the decision and would have to certify in writing that the animal is exempt. That excuse would be valid for a year. After that, the pet would have to get reexamined.

The Senate on Tuesday passed the bill, which was filed by Rep. Ron Gray, R-Selbyville, in June. It cleared the House unanimously on the final day of the 2019 legislative year, June 30.

It now heads to Gov. John Carney's desk to sign into law.

Contact Sarah Gamard at sgamard@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2281.

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