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There has been a confirmed case of rabies in the town of Southwick this year. Please be sure that all animals are vaccinated against rabies and that their vaccines are up to date.
State Law:
VACCINATION OF DOGS & CATS AGAINST RABIES
69.5
The owner or keeper of a dog or cat in the Town of Southwick six months of age or older shall cause such dog or cat to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian using a licensed vaccine according to the manufacturer’s directions and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Unvaccinated dogs and cats acquired or moved into the commonwealth shall be vaccinated within 30 days after the acquisition or arrival into the Town of Southwick or upon reaching the age of six months, whichever last occurs. Such owner or keeper shall procure a veterinarian’s certificate that such animal has been so vaccinated, setting forth the day of such vaccination and the duration of immunity, or a notarized letter from a veterinarian that a certificate was issued. The veterinarian shall issue a tag with each certificate of
vaccination. The tag shall be secured by the owner or keeper of such dog or cat to a collar or harness made of suitable material to be worn by the dog or cat; provided, however, the owner of a cat may choose not to affix a tag to his cat, but shall have the tag and certificate available for inspection upon demand by Animal control Officers, Police Officers or other such authorized officials of the Town of Southwick. Vaccinated animals, dog or cat, shall be revaccinated periodically in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by and promulgated by the Mass. Department of Public Health. Any person who violates the provisions of § shall receive a written warning for the first offense, and for each subsequent offense shall be liable for payment of a fine of $45, which shall be paid to the Town of Southwick General Fund.
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