(a) Requirement. A person may not own or keep a dog or cat over the age of four months unless the dog or cat has been vaccinated so as to provide the animal with continuous protection against rabies. The effective period of the various vaccines shall be established by the Health Officer or the authorized and trained representative of the Health Officer in accordance with the current "Compendium of Animal Rabies Vaccines" prepared and periodically revised by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc.
(b) Certificate. On request of the Agency, a person owning or keeping a dog or cat in the County shall promptly exhibit a currently valid rabies vaccination certificate indicating that the dog or cat has been vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian or approved governmental agency.
(c) Sanction for violation. A person who fails to provide satisfactory evidence of a current rabies vaccination shall be given a written citation and an order requiring the vaccination within a seven-day period.
(d) Waiver. The Agency may waive the requirements for vaccination if the dog or cat will not be exposed to rabies and, in the written opinion of a veterinarian, a vaccination is not advisable due to the physical condition of the animal.
(1985 Code, Art. 12, § 6-101) (Bill No. 41-01)