The Missouri state legislature is a step closer to approving a bill requiring pet owners to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies.

The measure passed the Senate 22-12, and will now move to the Missouri House.

The vaccinations would have to be performed by a veterinarian and be kept current according to the doctors determination or any local law. The bill has an exemption for dogs and cats with medical conditions that restrict them from being vaccinated.

Owners violating the rabies vaccine mandate would face a Class C misdemeanor for each unvaccinated dog and cat.

Read the text of the bill on the Missouri State Legislature website.