Regulation for the Management of Dogs and Cats Exposed to Rabies in the Town of Carlisle, MA
The Board of Health of the Town of Carlisle, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting under Chapter 111, Section 31, of the General Laws and amendments and additions thereto, and with reference to Chapter 40, Section 54 of said General Laws, and by any other power thereto enabling, and acting thereunder and in accordance therewith, has in the interest of and for the preservation of the public health, duly made and adopted the following:
Section 1. Justification
Due to the deadliness of rabies and the high probability of encounters between infected animals and domesticated animals and potential risk to humans, strict Mass. Department of Public Health Regulations will be implemented in the Town of Carlisle by the Board of Health and Animal Control Officer effective February 11, 1994.
Rabies is a virus that kills animals and humans. The disease enters the nervous system at the site of the bite wound, spreading through the nervous system to the brain resulting in paralysis or death. In 1992, Carlisle had approximately 50 various animal calls concerning sick, injured or problem wildlife. In 1993 there have been 230 calls; 216 dealing with sick, injured or problem animals. The State Lab predicts that this number will double or triple in 1994. Of the specimens tested from Carlisle in 1992, one has been positive to rabies.
Section 2. Management Procedures for Vaccinated Pets
In the event that your pet is exposed, you will receive a "Notice of Possible Exposure to Rabies" with specific management instructions. Management of dogs and cats exposed to wildlife will be specifically defined in accordance with State regulations as follows:
Sec 2.1 Isolation- animal to be kept from human or other animal contact; animal confined off owner’s premises in an appropriate facility at owner’s expense for a three to six month period to be determined by the Animal Control Officer.
Sec. 2.2 Strict Confinement – animal to be kept at home in house, garage or other escape proof building or enclosure approved by the Animal Control Officers for a period of three to six months to be determined by the Animal Control Officer; animal may be leash-walked by an adult; owner shall be advised of potential rabies risk and given written instructions; owner is required to notify veterinarian immediately of unusual behavior or change in heath status of pet.
Sec. 2.3 Close Observation – animal may be kept at home but is allowed out on a leash with an adult in attendance for a period of three moths; owner shall be advised of potential rabies risk; owner is required to notify veterinarian immediately of unusual behavior or change in health status of pet.
Section 3. Procedures for Unvaccinated Pets
Situations in which the domesticated animal is unvaccinated, and exposure to a rabid animal is suspected, the Mass. Department of Public Health strongly recommends euthanizing the unvaccinated domestic animal due to the high risk of exposure for humans.
Section 4. Vaccinations
State Law requires that both cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies. Owners can eliminate the risk of rabies exposure to pet, family, and neighbors by keeping pets current on all vaccinations.
Section 5. Fines and Penalties
Failure to follow instructions will result in an initial fine of $50.00 and $50.00 for each additional failure to comply.
Section 6. Severability
So far as the Board of Health may provide, each section of these Regulations shall be construed as separate to the end that if any section, item, sentence, clause or phrase shall be held invalid for any reason, the remainder of these Regulations shall continue in full force and effect.
Adopted: January 18, 1994
Effective: February 11, 1994
Board of Health
Jane Anderson,Chair
Gabor Miskolczy
Patrice Drew
Signatures on file.