(A) (1) Every owner of a dog or cat four or more months of age shall cause such dog or cat to be inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian annually or at such intervals as hereafter may be promulgated by the department. Evidence of such inoculation shall be entered upon a certificate, the form of which shall be approved by the County Board, and the certificate shall be signed by the licensed veterinarian administering the vaccine.
(2) This division (A) does not apply to feral cats; however, if a feral cat is presented to a licensed veterinarian for sterilization, the feral cat shall be inoculated against rabies, unless the person presenting the feral cat for care provides an inoculation certificate showing that the feral cat has been inoculated against rabies. The cost of the inoculation shall be paid by the person presenting the feral cat to a licensed veterinarian for care.
(B) The veterinarian administering the vaccine shall cause the certificate of inoculation to be distributed as follows:
(1) Two copies shall be given to the owner at the time of inoculation;
(2) One copy shall be filed with the office of the Administrator, or such place as the County Board shall designate, within 30 days after the date of inoculation; and
(3) One copy shall be retained by the veterinarian administering the inoculation for a period of five years, or such period as set by the department or the County Board.
(C) The type and brand of rabies vaccine used shall be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and approved by the department.
(D) Every owner of a dog or cat shall comply with the provisions of sections §§ 90.21 through 90.23. Any person who violates these sections shall pay a penalty of $25 for the first violation, $50 for the second violation occurring within a 12-month period, and $200 for the third and each successive violation within a 12-month period. Each day a person fails to comply constitutes a separate offense.
(E) If an animal is not inoculated and registered, said animal shall be impounded by the Animal Shelter Manager or his/her delegate and may be redeemed or disposed of in accordance with the provisions of this code.
(Ord. E-19-97, passed 5-29-2019; Res. HS-24-13, passed 4-24-2024)
Penalty, see § 90.99