Extensive media coverage. Weekly newspapers fielding letters to the editor from Great Britain and Australia. Professors, politicians and veterinarians, all boarding the bandwagon of an outspoken mom and canine aficionado from Lincoln County.

What’s left? Real change.

That’s where you come in.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Department of Health and Human Services invites discussion about a proposed amendment to rabies immunization requirements for dog licensure.

The hearing begins at 1:30 p.m. in Room 220 of the Cross Building in Augusta on the State House campus. Prepared statements are encouraged.

Guess who’ll be first?

“I’m still stunned at the extent of the problem,” said Kris Christine of Alna.

Christine and her husband, Peter, became canine crusaders when Meadow, their 6 1/2-year-old yellow Labrador, developed a tumor near the site of his rabies booster shot in April.

After a day of research, Kris Christine was convinced of a link between the rabies vaccine and her dog’s malignancy. She was further incensed when she discovered that 46 other states had laws mandating a booster shot every three years.

Maine’s law is worded in such confusing fashion that many dog owners scheduled shots biannually. The new rule, if enacted, would give dog owners, veterinarians and town offices clarity and bring Maine in line with federally required label statements on duration of immunity.

Meadow remains the poster pet.

“I’m so frantic over my guy,” she said. “Now he has two more tumors. It may be in his lymph glands.”

Officials have shown a degree of sympathy. This week, Dr. Robert Gholson, veterinarian for the Maine Bureau of Health, described Christine and other proactive pet owners as “rightfully concerned.”

Gholson’s concern, however, is keeping the discussion on task. Christine, for example, points out that the new rule includes no medical exemption for sick dogs.

The state veterinarian also said owners could become lax or manipulate the new law by getting their dog licensed just before the three-year shot runs out.

But Christine cites information from her own contacts within the veterinary industry, particularly Dr. W. Jean Dodds of Santa Monica, Calif., and researchers at the University of Wisconsin, who say the vaccines are effective for at least five to seven years.

“I’m just trying to reduce the protocol,” she said. “I’m not anti-vaccine.”

Dodds sent a two-page letter with references to Sen. Chris Hall (D-Bristol), who represents Christine’s region. Like an itinerant preacher handing out gospel tracts, Christine has lost track of how many copies she has distributed.

“I ask people at the bank, Do you have a dog or a cat?’ I handed out 30 of them in Portland the other day,” Christine said. “I am literally out on the street handing out this information.”

And at the post office … and the diner … and …

“My children are 14 and 11, so they’re easily embarrassed,” she said. “If they know my targets, they try to warn them. They yell out the window, Hurry, Mom’s coming. Run for your life!’ They know I’ll talk to anyone.”

Christine suspects that she’s a target, as well.

Her husband jokes that no veterinarian in the state will accept their business. She says the Bureau of Health never notified her of Tuesday’s meeting, that the word came from an acquaintance in the Secretary of State’s office.

One way or another, she’ll have the floor. You’re entitled, too.

Can’t make it on short notice? The state is accepting written statements about the proposed rule change until Sept. 10. Address your concerns to Dr. Philip Haines, Bureau of Health, DHHS, Key Plaza 8th Floor, #11 SHS, Augusta, Maine 04333-0011.

Kalle Oakes is staff columnist. He may be reached by e-mail at koakes@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link