Lisa Lippman, second year Veterinary Student at Western University of Health Sciences, has a personal stake in Molly’s Bill; proposed legislation in California to provide rabies vaccine exemptions for health compromised pets. Attention California Pet Owners, please read and sign the petition supporting Molly’s Bill.
Molly is a Springer Spaniel who contracted an auto-immune disease which kills her own red blood cells. Molly contracted this disease after receiving her yearly rabies vaccine. Understandably so, Molly’s owners refuse to revaccinate Molly believing another vaccine would kill her; their veterinarian agrees. However, because California law does not allow for a rabies exemption for sick dogs and cats, Sam and Cecilia Gadd of Chino Hills, CA (Molly’s folks) remain in violation of the law and Molly remains in quarantine (under house arrest).
Molly’s Law struck a nerve with second year veterinary student Lisa Lippman. Lisa knows exactly how the Gadd’s feel regarding the over vaccination of a health compromised pet. Lisa has her own Molly….uh, well…Lisa has Max.
From Lisa’s op-ed plea to local newspapers, “When I moved here two years ago to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian I contacted the appropriate outlet to license my dog, Max. In January of last year, Max was diagnosed with a similar autoimmune disease as Molly but instead of attacking red blood cells, Max’s disease attacks his skin causing blistering and ulcerations. One month ago, I got a knock on my door from an Inland Valley Humane Society Officer telling me I owed them money and proof that Max had been rabies vaccinated or I may be cited as violating the law which could result in court action.”
Even with the hectic schedule of a veterinary student, Lisa has tried to help get Molly’s Bill passed. The first attempt failed “because the state’s Department of Health said it would cost $140,000 to change three sentences on a one-page regulation.” Assemblyman Curt Hagman who introduced the bill remains hopeful; and so does Lisa Lippman. http://fwix.com/riverside/share/b1ae67d022/legislative_effort_fails_chino_hills_dog
Lisa has initiated a petition on Change.org to support Molly’s Bill. If you are a resident of California, please consider signing this petition and calling your local lawmakers asking for their support of Molly’s Bill. To read and sign the petition, Click Here
It is unfortunate (and out-dated) of California to not accept a vaccine titer in lieu of additional vaccines. Research done by Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM has shown that a rabies vaccine can provide the pet protection years longer (than the 3 year standard) and potentially one vaccine could protect a pet for life. (Please read more at www.rabieschallengefund.org)
So, as it stands right now, health compromised pets in California (and numerous other states) remain required by law to be subjected to a potentially lethal rabies vaccine. Please help change the law in California and check to see what the law allows in your state. No health compromised pet should be subjected to a vaccine that could further compromise their health.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
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Peter
January 5, 2013 at 12:12 am
An exemption for immune-compromised pets is an important goal. Likewise, pet guardians who dislike the idea of forced repeated vaccinations should have the option of obtaining blood “titers” to determine if sufficient levels of antibody remain to provide an exemption form state mandated vaccination.