R98-64 RESOLUTION NO. R98-64
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND,
TEXAS, URGING THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE TO SEEK
INTRODUCTION AND PASSAGE OF A BILL WHICH WILL AMEND THE
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE, TITLE 10, HEALTH AND SAFETY OF
ANIMALS, CHAPTER 826, RABIES, TO•PROVIDE FOR THE AUTHORITY
OF LOCAL RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITIES OR THEIR DESIGNEES TO
RABIES VACCINATE ANIMALS UNDER THEIR CONTROL,SUCH ACTION
BEING NECESSARY TO ENHANCE RABIES CONTROL AND PREVENTION
EFFORTS IN COOPERATION WITH TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
ZOONOSIS CONTROL PROGRAMS.
WHEREAS, rabies in animals continues to be a significant health threat in the
State of Texas, as evidenced by the continuing statewide quarantine for certain
high risk animals; and
WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Health, Zoonosis Division, continues to
administer an aggressive oral rabies vaccine distribution program to also enhance the
State's rabies control effort; and
WHEREAS,the Health and Safety Code, Title 10, Health and Safety of Animals,
Chapter 826, Rabies, Section 826.023, Use and Sale of Rabies Vaccine, makes
provisions which allow only veterinarians to obtain and administer rabies vaccines with
an exception which allows owners of livestock to obtain and administer rabies vaccine
to their livestock; and
WHEREAS, municipalities, by virtue of the operation of animal control activities
and of animal shelters, are in a unique position to assist in the statewide effort to
control rabies; and
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RESOLUTION NO. R98-64
WHEREAS,municipalities rely upon rabies vaccinations to combat rabies, which
includes controlling animal populations and licensing certain animals within their
jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, Local Rabies Control Authorities, which are currently described and
mandated by the Health and Safety Code, Title 10, Health and Safety of Animals,
Chapter 826, Rabies, Section 826.017, to enforce the State Laws and Rules of the
Board of Health, concerning Rabies Control, are currently prohibited, from obtaining
and/or administering rabies vaccines; and
WHEREAS, Local Rabies Control Authorities are in agreement with the
provisions to comply with established administration requirements for the proper
handling and tracking of all animals vaccinated by said authority; and
WHEREAS, Local Rabies Control Authorities are in agreement with provisions
which limit their authority to obtain and/or administer rabies vaccine to animals
detained, impounded or released to their agencies; and
WHEREAS, the above-cited Chapter should be amended to allow Local Rabies
Control Authorities, as defined by the State of Texas Health and Safety Code,
Title 10, Health and Safety of Animals, Chapter 826, Rabies, Section 826.017, the
ability and authority to obtain and administer rabies vaccines as a vital part of their
State defined responsibility of enforcing Chapter 826 and the rules of the Texas Board
of Health that encompass the minimum standards for rabies control; now, therefore,
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RESOLUTION NO. R98-64
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Pearland, Texas, recommends
the introduction, support, and passage of a bill which will allow for the authority of
Local Rabies Control Authorities or their designees to rabies vaccinate animals under
their control.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this the day of
A.D., 1998.
TOM REID
MAYOR
ATTEST:
YOUNG LORFING
CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
DARRIN M. COKER
CITY ATTORNEY
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