(A) It shall be unlawful to keep a dog or cat over the age of three months unless such dog or cat is immunized against rabies by a vaccination performed by a veterinarian and the period of immunization specified by the veterinarian performing the vaccination has not expired. Each owner of a dog or cat older than three months must procure a rabies vaccination for the animal, which is administered by a licensed veterinarian. The rabies vaccination must be obtained annually unless a three-year vaccination is administered. The dog or cat must wear the rabies vaccination tag at all times.
(B) If an unvaccinated animal causes bodily injury to another person or animal, the fine shall be as stated in § 91.99, and the enforcement authority shall petition the Court to conduct a vicious dog hearing relating to the animal.
(C) A person who knowingly or intentionally harbors an animal that is over the age of three months and not immunized against rabies, commits harboring a non-immunized dog, a Class C infraction. However, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor if the dog causes bodily injury by biting a person.
(D) Whenever an authorized agent has reasonable cause to suspect that an animal has been exposed to rabies, or bitten or exposed a person to rabies through a non-bite exposure, such animal shall be surrendered by its owner for quarantine and observation promptly upon demand by the authorized agent. Such quarantine and observation shall be at the animal owner’s expense.
(Ord. 2021-4, passed 11-16-2021) Penalty, see § 91.99