Rabies: vaccinations.

Existing law imposes various requirements upon dog owners in rabies areas designated by the State Public Health Officer. Any person who violates these requirements is guilty of an infraction, and is punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000. Violation of these requirements also results in impounding of the dog by the local jurisdiction. Among the requirements imposed under existing law is that a dog owner, after his or her dog attains 4 months of age, annually procure the dog's vaccination against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with canine antirabies vaccine approved by, and in a manner prescribed by, the State Department of Public Health, with specified exceptions. This bill would require that a dog owner, after his or her dog is 3 months of age or older, procure the dog's vaccination against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with canine antirabies vaccine approved by the department and in a manner consistent with the vaccine label. By expanding the definition of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.