(a) Any person who owns, keeps or harbors a dog or cat within the
City limits shall keep such dog or cat immunized or re-immunized against rabies, by a method listed in the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Center for Disease Control Animal Rabies Compendiums 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) Dogs or cats entering the City temporarily for dog or cat shows, exhibition and/or breeding purposes shall not be allowed out of the owner's, keeper's or handler's control unless properly immunized, and all dogs or cats entering this jurisdiction for field trials or hunting purposes, or any other purpose shall be properly immunized. All such immunized dogs and cats shall be accompanied by an immunization certificate supplied by the veterinarian who immunized the dog or cat.
(c) All veterinarians immunizing dogs or cats against rabies shall keep a record of such immunization or re-immunization and shall, at the time of such immunizing or re- immunizing give the owner, keeper or harborer of the animal a certificate of immunization which shall include a number identifying the individual record, a complete description of the animal, the place where the animal is kept or harbored, the name and address of the owner, keeper or harborer of the animal, date and type of immunization or re-immunization 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 Health Commissioner within thirty days of its issuance. The Health Commissioner shall then forward a copy thereof to the Lucas County Dog Warden.
(d) The certificate described in subsection (c) hereof shall be made on multiple copy forms certified by the Health Commissioner.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to mean that dogs or cats immunized or re-immunized shall be allowed to run at large in violation of any rabies quarantine law, ordinance or regulation.
(f) All veterinarians who immunize or re-immunize a dog against rabies shall provide a tag approved by the Health Commissioner, which shall have thereon permanently affixed the year of immunization or re-immunization and the number indicating the record prescribed in subsection (c) hereof. Such tag shall be securely fastened to the collar and/or harness worn by the dog.
(g) No veterinarian or person who owns, keeps or harbors a dog or cat shall be required to provide or obtain a certificate for a rabies immunization or re-immunization administered before the date this section takes effect. However, the provisions of this section shall be complied with at the time of re-immunization thereafter or the time the current immunization or re-immunization loses its effectiveness, whichever is earlier.
(h) Whoever violates any provision of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. Each day's violation shall constitute a separate offense.
(Ord. 134-1997. Passed 7-28-97.)