Substantively identical to S 74, filed 3/30/17.

Currently, GS 130A-197 requires an animal exposed to rabies to be (1) destroyed immediately by its owner, the county animal control officer, or a peace officer unless the animal has been vaccinated against rabies, as specified, more than 28 days prior to being exposed, and is given a booster dose of rabies vaccine within five days of exposure or (2) quarantined at a facility approved by the local health director for a period of up to six months. This act eliminates these provisions and instead directs that the recommendations and guidelines specified by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians in the most current edition of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control be the required control measures for dogs, cats, and ferrets exposed to rabies. Makes conforming changes to the statute's title. Effective October 1, 2017.