(A) No person shall own, keep, or harbor any dog or cat within the town unless such pet has been vaccinated against rabies as provided herein. The provisions of this section shall only apply to dogs or cats over three months old.
(B) All rabies vaccinations (as evidenced by certificate) shall be from a licensed graduate veterinarian using a vaccine which is good for a period longer than one year; provided such vaccine has been approved with the longer period of time specified by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control after consultation with the executive committee of the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians.
(C) A South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Certificate of Pet Rabies Vaccination will be issued by a licensed graduate veterinarian for each dog or cat, stating the name and address of owner, the name, breed, color and markings, age, sex of animal, and the veterinary or pharmaceutical control number of the vaccination.
(D) Coincident with the issuance of the certificate, the licensed graduate veterinarian shall also furnish a serially numbered metal tag bearing the same number and year as is on the certificate. The metal license tag shall bear the name of the veterinarian and shall at all times be attached to a collar or harness worn by the dog or cat for which the certificate and tag have been issued. Note: These tags shall be issued in accordance with the recommendation of the National Association of Public Health Veterinarians as to tag, shape and color.
(E) The owner shall have a valid certificate of rabies vaccination readily available at all times for inspection by an animal control officer or health official.
(F) In the event that a rabies tag is lost, the owner shall obtain a duplicate tag within seven working days.
(G) A certificate of rabies vaccination issued by a licensed veterinarian from another state will be accepted as valid evidence of vaccination, provided it is less than a year from date of issue.
(Ord. 2012-09, passed 9-20-2012)