ANIMAL CONTROL

§ 92.15 PURPOSE.

   Pursuant to the authority granted by G.S. § 160A-186, this subchapter is enacted to protect the public from unvaccinated, stray, roaming or dangerous dogs, and to make unlawful acts of dogs that interfere with the enjoyment of property or the peace and safety of the community.

(Ord. passed 8-11-1992; Ord. passed 9-8-1992)

§ 92.16 DEFINITIONS.

   For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   ANIMAL AT LARGE. Any dog off the premises of his or her owner and not under the immediate control of his or her owner or his or her custodian. A dog without a physical restraint (i.e. leash) that fails to immediately respond to the verbal commands of his or her owner or his or her custodian shall be deemed to be NOT UNDER IMMEDIATE CONTROL.

   DOG. Both male and female of the canine species.

   IDENTIFIABLE ANIMAL. Both male and female of the canine species wearing a collar to which is affixed a metal registration tag bearing the number issued by the town and a metal rabies inoculation tag.

   OWNER. Any person, firm, association or corporation owning, keeping or harboring a dog.

   UNIDENTIFIABLE ANIMAL. Both male and female of the canine species with or without a collar but to which is not attached the valid metal tags defined in "identifiable animal" above or the owner or custodian of which cannot be found after reasonable efforts by the Police Department of the town.

(Ord. passed 8-11-1992; Ord. passed 9-8-1992)

§ 92.17 REGISTRATION.

   (A)   All dogs over four months in age that are kept within the corporate limits of the town for a period of more than 30 days shall be registered.

   (B)   Registration shall consist of the completion of a form identifying the animal, setting forth the name, address and telephone number of the owner, and attesting, with proof thereof, the inoculation of the dog as provided for herein.

   (C)   Each dog will be given a serial number and the town shall issue a metal registration tag for a fee of established by the Town Council. The master schedule of fees is maintained in the Clerk’s office.

   (D)   The town in its discretion may allow the owner of the dog up to 72 hours after registration to provide the necessary proof of inoculation.

(Ord. passed 8-11-1992; Ord. passed 9-8-1992; Ord. 2017-04, passed 2-14-2017)

§ 92.18 INOCULATION.

   (A)   As a condition to issuance of a registration tag as provided for herein, all dogs over the age of four months shall have a current inoculation against rabies (hydrophobia) by a licensed veterinarian.

   (B)   A rabies inoculation shall be deemed current for a dog if two inoculations have been given one year apart and booster doses of rabies vaccine administered every three years thereafter.

   (C)   Every owner of a dog shall have written evidence signed by the veterinarian, and a metal inoculation tag indicating year of inoculation, as proof of inoculation at the time of registration.

(Ord. passed 8-11-1992; Ord. passed 9-8-1992)

§ 92.19 COLLAR AND IDENTIFICATION.

   (A)   All dogs over four months in age kept within the town for a period of more than 30 days shall be properly identified by a collar with the metal registration tag and veterinarian inoculation tag with year of inoculation firmly affixed thereto.

   (B)   The dog so identified shall be classified as an "identifiable animal" under this subchapter when and only when wearing the collar and tags.

(Ord. passed 8-11-1992; Ord. passed 9-8-1992)