(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, harbor, or have custody or control of a dog or cat over four months of age within the city limits unless such dog or cat is currently vaccinated against rabies by the injection of antirabies vaccine by or under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The dog or cat will be considered currently vaccinated if:
(1) A second rabies vaccination shall be administered to all cats and dogs within one year of receiving their first vaccination regardless of the type of the vaccine used or at what age the animal was initially vaccinated.
(2) If the animal has received at least two vaccinations and the last vaccination consisted of:
(a) An annual rabies vaccine, the animal must receive a vaccination within 12 months;
(b) A triennial vaccine, the animal must receive a vaccination within 36 months.
(3) If the animal has received at least two vaccinations prior to this amendment and a triennial vaccine was used for the last vaccination, this amendment is retroactive, the animal's next vaccination will be due within 36 months from the date of its last vaccination.
(B) Every owner of a dog or cat immunized against rabies as required in this section shall procure a rabies vaccination certificate from the veterinarian administering the vaccine. Such certificates shall contain the following information:
(1) Owner's name, address, and telephone number;
(2) The species, sex, age, weight, predominant breed, and color of the animal;
(3) The vaccine used, manufacturer and serial number;
(4) Date vaccinated;
(5) Rabies tag number; and
(6) Veterinarian's signature and license number.
(C) A veterinarian or person under the direct supervision of a veterinarian who vaccinates a dog or cat as required in this section shall furnish the owner thereof with a metal tag approved by the rabies control officer bearing a number corresponding to the number placed on the certificate, and with lettering showing immunization and the year thereof. This tag shall be attached to the properly fitted collar of the dog or cat for which it is issued or the owner must produce the certificate.
(Ord. passed 12-7-2004)