§ 8-146. Rabies inoculation; tag requirement for dogs, cats and ferrets.

(a)

Insofar as the control of rabies is concerned, this chapter shall be construed and enforced consistently with any rules and regulations promulgated by the board of health. County animal control and the public safety manager and his designees are authorized and directed to enforce any such rabies control rules and regulations which may be promulgated by the board of health.

(b)

All dogs, cats and ferrets shall be vaccinated by four months of age and revaccinated as recommended by the 2008 edition of the Compendium of Animal Rabies or a licensed veterinarian according to the type of vaccine and the duration of its effectiveness.

(c)

Animals that may not be vaccinated for health reasons at the direction of a licensed veterinarian and those under the suggested age shall wear a collar with identification tags when off the property of the owner.

(d)

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor or allow to be kept or harbored any dog or cat over four months of age without a collar, which shall have attached thereto a valid vaccination tag.

(1)

Dogs, while legally hunting or working on agricultural property with permission of the owner, are not required to wear a collar with identification tags when off the property of the owner.

(2)

Show animals are not required to wear a collar or rabies tag while being shown as required by this chapter; provided that the owner/handler shall have the rabies tag in his possession where it may be shown upon demand of a representative of county animal control.

(3)

Animals that are housed at licensed kennels, shelters, or veterinary clinics are exempt from wearing collars and rabies tags provided the animal has been properly vaccinated and the veterinarian/caretaker has the rabies tag or proof of vaccination in his possession where it may be shown upon demand of a representative of county animal control.

(e)

Any dog or cat entering the county for the purpose of a temporary stay not exceeding 14 calendar days shall be exempt from the rabies tag provision of this section, but shall be subject to all other provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 16-008 , 12-19-2016)