250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-40-05-2.5

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 250-RICR-40-05-2.5 - Compulsory Rabies Vaccination and Rabies Risk Signage

A. Animals Residing within Rhode Island

1. Any owner of a dog, cat, or ferret that is three (3) months of age or older and which resides in Rhode Island shall have such dog, cat or ferret currently vaccinated against rabies.

B. Exhibition of Animals within Rhode Island

1. Any owner of any animal species for which United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensed unconditionally approved rabies vaccine exists, and who uses such animals for show or exhibit purposes, or who allows such animals to come into direct physical contact with the public, shall keep such animals currently vaccinated against rabies. Examples of such exhibition or show venues include but are not limited to: petting zoos, nature centers, riding stables, fairs, shows, exhibitions, pony rides and educational programs.

C. Posting of Signage for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Maintained at Municipal or Private Facilities

1. Dogs, cats, and ferrets maintained at facilities (municipal or private) where animal/public contact is allowed must be either:

a. Currently vaccinated against rabies; or

b. If not currently vaccinated against rabies due to any lawful reason must be:

(1) Separated from the public by sufficient means so as to disallow direct animal/public contact; and

(2) Identified as possible rabies carrier by conspicuously posted and readily legible signs stating: "RHODE ISLAND RABIES CONTROL BOARD NOTICE: FEED AND TOUCH THESE ANIMALS AT YOUR OWN RISK."

2. Facilities subject to this regulation shall include but not be limited to the following: pet shops, dog pounds, and animal shelters.

3. Lawful reasons for keeping animals that are not currently vaccinated include but are not limited to animals that are too young to vaccinate or animals that have been vaccinated but thirty (30) days have not lapsed since the vaccination.

D. Posting of Signage for Animals for Which No USDA Licensed Unconditionally Approved Vaccine Exists

1. Animals which are used for public display exhibition or show must be:

a. Separated from the public by sufficient means to disallow direct animal/public contact; or

b. Identified as possible rabies carriers by conspicuously posted and readily legible signs stating: "RHODE ISLAND RABIES CONTROL BOARD NOTICE: FEED AND TOUCH THESE ANIMALS AT YOUR OWN RISK."

2. Facilities and/or events subject to this regulation shall include but not be limited to the following: show, petting zoos, zoos, nature centers, fairs, exhibitions, or educational programs involving animals.

E. Exemptions

1. Low risk rabies susceptible species, including but not limited to rodents and rabbits which can be documented as being born and raised indoors, need not be isolated from direct physical contact with the public nor have posted any public notice of rabies risk.

F. Variances

1. Any person seeking exception to §§ 2.5(A) through 2.5(D) of this Part, inclusive, shall apply in writing to the Rhode Island Rabies Control Board for such variance.

2. The Rabies Control Board, may, upon demonstration that rabies vaccination is likely to cause hardship, and, if satisfied that the variance conditions do not constitute a threat to public health or safety, may grant said variance.

3. The Rabies Control Board will meet from time to time to consider any variances that have been received. The Rabies Control Board will meet no less frequently than once per year for this purpose, but may, at the discretion of the State Veterinarian, meet more frequently.

4. The Rabies Control Board may seek an opinion from municipal officials regarding granting of a variance.

5. The Rabies Control Board may issue stipulations and/or conditions to any variance granted that will decrease the public health risk by an owner keeping an unvaccinated animal.

6. If a variance is granted, the owner of the animal and the Animal Control Officer with authority in the jurisdiction where the animal for which the variance is granted will be notified in writing of the variance.

7. If the animal is relocated to another municipality within the state, the State Veterinarian must be notified a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to relocation so that the ACO of the municipality that the animal is being relocated to can be notified of the relocation.

8. Failure of the owner to maintain any of the stipulations and/or conditions of these Regulations or of the specific variance may result in penalties as set forth in these regulations.

9. The Animal Control Officer with authority in the jurisdiction where the animal for which a variance is granted is kept shall have the responsibility of ensuring that the stipulations and/or conditions of the variance have been maintained.

10. The application for a variance shall demonstrate that:

a. strict adherence to the regulation causes undue hardship or the impossibility of performance; and

b. the procedures to be followed if the variance is granted are as protective as the section from which relief is requested.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-40-05-2.5