‘Ruby’s Law’ making rounds in legislation

RABUN COUNTY —  Thanks to Rabun County’s State Representative Matt Gurtler (District 8), a bill is pending in the legislation to exempt dogs and cats who are too weak for a rabies vaccination.

House Bill 742, or otherwise known as “Ruby’s Law,” was created with intentions to protect the old and sickly animals who are not strong enough for a rabies vaccine.

The name was coined after a Scottish terrier that was denied treatment by a Georgia veterinarian unless the dog was re-vaccinated for rabies.

In an interview, Gurtler explained the reasoning behind Ruby’s Law and what its current status is.

“This was brought to me by a constituent in Blairsville to help cats and dogs that are too sick to take the rabies shot,” Gurtler said. “Right now, Ruby’s Law has bi-partisan support with ten co-sponsors on the bill. There has been talk about adding language that animals who are temporarily exempted be kept indoors.”

Ruby’s owner, Maureen Harper, refused the vaccination recommendation from the Georgia veterinarian because it would have resulted in death for Ruby who was undergoing chemotherapy at the time.

According to the Rabies Challenge Fund, 18 other states already have medical exemption clauses in their rabies law.