(A) Dogs and cats rabies immunization required. All dogs and cats over the age of 12 months harbored or maintained within the city shall be immunized against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. The vaccines used and their duration of immunity against rabies will be as recommended by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) in their annual Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control.
(1) Exceptions. No dog or cat need be vaccinated when a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and certified that, at such time, vaccination would endanger its health because of its age, infirmity, debility, illness, or other medical consideration; and such exception certificate is presented to the animal control officer. The animal shall be vaccinated against rabies as soon as its health and age permit.
(2) A veterinarian who vaccinates a dog or cat shall prepare and deliver to the owner a certificate of vaccination in duplicate, setting forth the name and address of the owner, information sufficient to identify the dog or cat vaccinated, and the type of vaccine used.
(3) In addition, the veterinarian shall issue to the owner a distinctive metal tag to be shown to the City Administrator or their designee, which sets forth the year of vaccination.
(4) The owner shall forthwith cause the dog or cat to wear this tag on a collar until the next vaccination.
(5) No dog or cat shall be licensed by the City Administrator or their designee which has not been vaccinated against rabies as provided in this section during the 2-year period immediately preceding the date application for license is made.
(B) Dogs, cats or other animals known to have been bitten or exposed to a rabid animal must be euthanized immediately or the animal's owner must adhere to procedures as described in the NAHSPV Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control. Notification of exposure shall be made immediately to the St. Charles Police Department. Costs associated with exposure are incurred at the animal owner's expense.
(C) Disposition of diseased dogs, cats or other animals. If a dog, cat or other animal quarantined under this chapter is found to be sick or diseased, the operator of the quarantine facility will immediately report in writing to City Hall the condition of the dog or animal. The city may then take possession of the dog, cat or animal for the purpose of submitting it to determine if it is suffering from rabies. A diseased dog, cat or animal may be euthanized, if it is determined such action necessary for the protection of public health and safety, as recommended by a licensed veterinarian. If a quarantined animal sickens or dies, it shall be sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for rabies testing. The owner of the animal is responsible for the cost of quarantine, veterinary fees and testing.
(1987 Code, § 403.15) (Am. Ord. 625, passed 9-8-2020) Penalty, see § 10.99