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

PA Senate Passes Costs of Care of Seized Animals Act

On June 30, 2013, the Pennsylvania Senate passed HB 82, the Costs of Care of Seized Animals Act.  The bill, which originated in the House, will now return to the House for consideration of the bill containing the Senate’s amendments.

House Bill 82 states that owners of animals have a duty of care, therefore, the owner is responsible for the costs of caring for the animals and that responsibility extends to care of the animals if they are seized.  This bill specifically exempts activities undertaken in a normal agricultural operation.

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 which have been seized from their owners, who have been 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.  The statute limits such costs to $15 per day for each animal, plus any additional necessary medical care.  Petitions for reimbursement by municipalities and humane shelters must be filed before the issuance of the final order in the criminal trial for violation of PA’s anti-cruelty statute.

For more information, please see the PA General Assembly’s website.

Written By Gaby Gilbeau – Research Assistant

The Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center

July 1, 2013