A. It is the duty of a person owning or keeping a dog or cat over the age of three (3) months to have the animal vaccinated against rabies as prescribed by New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978, section 77-1-3 (1979). The City Manager may require that other animals have annual rabies vaccinations.
B. The veterinarian administering antirabies vaccines to any animal shall issue the owner or keeper of the animal a numbered vaccination certificate. The certificate shall contain the name and address of the owner of the animal, a description of the animal vaccinated, the date of vaccination, and the date immunity expires.
C. The veterinarian shall also furnish the owner or keeper with a metal tag bearing the certificate number. A current rabies tag shall be affixed by the owner or keeper to a collar or harness worn by the animal at all times unless the animal is being kept in an approved kennel or veterinary hospital, is being trained by a professional trainer or is appearing in an approved show.
D. It is unlawful for the owner of any dog or cat or any other member of the canine or feline family to fail to exhibit its certificate of vaccination upon demand by the City Manager. This subsection does not apply to any animal under control of the shelters.
E. For licensing purposes a medical waiver certificate may be acceptable in cases when the rabies vaccination of an animal would pose a substantial threat to the health of the animal. The certificate shall be on official letterhead from a licensed veterinarian and shall contain the name and address of the owner of the animal, a description of the animal, the medical condition prohibiting vaccination, and the date upon which a vaccination may be given. A medical waiver certificate must be resubmitted annually. (Ord. 2012-10, 11-13-2012)