Senate Bill 2086

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-53-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW THE OWNER OF EACH DOG OR CAT TO PURCHASE THE RABIES VACCINE FROM A LICENSED VETERINARIAN AND TO VACCINATE THE DOG OR CAT, UNLESS THE VETERINARIAN FINDS THE OWNER IS NOT COMPETENT; TO AMEND SECTION 41-53-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 41-53-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

41-53-5. All inoculations (vaccinations) done in accordance with this chapter must be done by either a licensed veterinarian or other competent person granted a permit to administer virus (vaccine) by the State Board of Health. However, the owner of each dog or cat may purchase the rabies virus (vaccine) from a licensed veterinarian and may inoculate (vaccinate) the dog or cat, unless the veterinarian finds that the owner is not competent to do so. If the veterinarian does not sell the virus (vaccine) to the owner because he finds that the owner is incompetent,

then the veterinarian shall report to the Department of Health his finding, including the name and address of the owner, and his reasons therefor.

SECTION 2. Section 41-53-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

41-53-9. All persons administering virus (vaccine) in accordance with this chapter shall furnish the owner of each dog or cat inoculated (vaccinated) a certificate of inoculation (vaccination) for each dog or cat inoculated (vaccinated) indicating the breed of each dog or cat inoculated (vaccinated), the sex of each dog or cat inoculated (vaccinated), and the markings and the serial number of the tag attached to the collar or some other device on each dog. Persons administering virus (vaccine) in accordance with this chapter shall maintain records of each inoculation, indicating the owner of each dog or cat inoculated (vaccinated), the breed of each dog or cat inoculated (vaccinated), the sex of each dog or cat inoculated (vaccinated), and the markings and serial number of the tag furnished to the owner of each dog. If the virus (vaccine) is administered by the owner of the dog or cat, then the licensed veterinarian who furnished the virus (vaccine) shall maintain records of each virus (vaccine) dispensed, indicating the owner of each dog or cat to be inoculated (vaccinated), the breed of each dog or cat to be inoculated (vaccinated), and the markings and serial number of the tag furnished to the owner of each dog.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.