DENVER – Lawmakers are working to take the bite out of rabies by requiring cats and dogs statewide to receive vaccinations.
The measure sailed through a legislative committee on Tuesday by a vote of 10-3. The bill now moves to the full House for debate.
Current law allows local governments to determine whether pet owners must vaccinate their pets against rabies. The legislation would impose a statewide mandate for all dogs and cats that are 4 months old or older.
Owners would have 90 days after assuming ownership to vaccinate their pets.
“Our local ordinances can vary from county to county and city to city, which fails to establish the appropriate public health baseline,” said Rep. Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, who is sponsoring the legislation.
Colorado is one of only 12 states without a state requirement.
The World Health Organization said in a report last year that more than 95 percent of human cases of rabies are transmitted by domestic dogs through bites.
Southwest Colorado already has rabies laws on the books. The state legislation would not impact those laws, because the municipalities and counties would already meet guidelines.
Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio and La Plata County all require rabies vaccinations.
The first rabies vaccination is good for one year, with subsequent vaccinations lasting three years, in most cases.
“Rabies in our canine population has pretty much been eliminated in the Western Slope. I never hear of humans contacting it from a dog or cat,” said Chris Nelson, director of animal services for the La Plata County Humane Society. “It’s because states and municipalities have made it mandatory for rabies vaccines, that’s why it’s pretty much been eliminated in our pet populations.”
There have been yearly instances in the area of bats testing positive for rabies, according to regional health officials. They point out that rabies treatments can be expensive and difficult.
“If we have pets that are in contact with bats that test positive, or we can’t recover the bat, we have to recommend that the pet be destroyed, so this gives us the opportunity to not have to travel down that road in order to protect the health and safety of our communities,” said Liane Jollon, executive director of the San Juan Basin Health Department.
No one testified against the bill on Tuesday. But Rep. Justin Everett, R-Littleton, said he didn’t see the value in the legislation because he believes pet owners are already proactive and responsible. He doesn’t believe a mandate from the government is necessary.
“If you’re in the rural areas, your animals – your dogs or your cats – serve a purpose,” Everett said. “Obviously it’s in your best interest to maintain those animals, to make sure that their animals are healthy.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com