PRESENTER: Presenter
Bryan V. Ruiz, Neighborhood Services Manager
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of the second and final reading of an ordinance amending the yearly rabies vaccine requirement to allow the pet owner to choose the frequency of the vaccine in accordance with state law.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development Services - Animal Welfare & Rescue
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On August 28, 2023, City Council approved the first reading of this proposed ordinance (7-0).
The City of New Braunfels current rabies vaccine ordinance requires owners to vaccinate pets annually. The local ordinance states to be currently vaccinated means:
1) The animal must have been at least three months of age at the time of vaccination.
2) At least 30 days have elapsed since the initial vaccination.
3) Not more than 12 months have elapsed since the most recent vaccination.
In February of 2003, the Texas Board of Health approved amendments to Texas Administrative Code Ch. 169, Rabies Control and Eradication. The state code was changed to allow for a one or three-year vaccine. The state code indicates to be currently vaccinated means:
1) The animal must have been vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for that species at or after the minimum age requirement and using the recommended route of administration for the vaccine.
2) At least 30 days have elapsed since the initial vaccination.
3) The time elapsed since the most recent vaccination has not exceeded the recommended interval for booster vaccination as established by the manufacturer.
4) Manufacturers of rabies vaccines currently have one year and 3-year vaccines.
ISSUE:
New Braunfels pet owners are currently required to have their pets vaccinated against rabies annually, while the state and other surrounding jurisdictions allow theirs to choose from 1-year or 3-year vaccines based on their local ordinances.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of amending the current rabies vaccine frequency. This will allow for the owner of the pet to choose the frequency of the vaccine based on the minimum standards established by the appropriate state agency or rule-making board.
The Animal Services Advisory Board met on July 25, 2023 and unanimously recommended approval.