(a) Any person who keeps or harbors a dog or cat within the City shall keep such dog or cat immunized or reimmunized against rabies by method listed in the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Center for Disease Control Animal Rabies Compendium, or any other method approved by the Health Commissioner, so that the dog or cat is continually protected against contracting rabies. Provided, however, dogs and cats need not be immunized before reaching the age of three months.
(b) All veterinarians immunizing or reimmunizing dogs or cats against rabies shall keep a record of such immunization or reimmunization and shall, at the time of such immunizing or reimmunizing, give the owner or keeper of the animal a certificate of immunization which shall include a number identifying the individual record, a complete description of the animal, place where the animal is kept or harbored, name and address of the owner, keeper or harborer of the animal, date and type of immunization or reimmunization and such other pertinent information as needed, along with the signature and typed name and address of the veterinarian. The veterinarian shall forward a copy of the certificate to the City Health Commissioner within thirty days of its issuance. The Health Commissioner shall then forward a copy thereof to the Animal Control Officer.
(c) The certificate described in subsection (b) hereof shall be made on multiple copy forms certified by the Health Commissioner.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to mean that dogs or cats immunized or reimmunized shall be allowed to run at large in violation of any rabies quarantine, law, ordinance or regulation. (Ord. 27, 1999. Passed 5-17-99.)
(e) All veterinarians who immunize or reimmunize a dog or cat against rabies shall provide a tag approved by the Health Commissioner, which shall have thereon permanently affixed the year of immunization or reimmunization and the number indicating the record prescribed in subsection (b) hereof. Such tag shall be securely fastened to the collar and/or harness worn by the dog. (Ord. 60, 2004. Passed 10-18-04.)
(f) No veterinarian or person who keeps or harbors a dog or cat shall be required to provide or obtain a certificate for a rabies immunization or reimmunization administered before the date this section takes effect. However, the provisions of this section must be complied with at the time of reimmunization thereafter or the time the current immunization or reimmunization loses its effectiveness, whichever is earlier.
(g) Whoever violates any provisions of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(Ord. 27, 1999. Passed 5-17-99.)