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The following words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
ANIMAL AT LARGE: Any domesticated animal, whether or not licensed, not under restraint, as defined in "animal under restraint" in this section.
ANIMAL BOARDING ESTABLISHMENT: Any establishment that takes in animals for boarding for fee.
ANIMAL GROOMING PARLOR: Any establishment maintained for the purpose of offering cosmetology services for animals for fee.
ANIMAL SHELTER: A facility owned and/or operated by a governmental entity or any animal welfare organization that is incorporated within the state of Utah under Utah Code Annotated section 11-46-102, as amended, and used for the care and custody of seized, stray, homeless, quarantined, abandoned or unwanted dogs, cats or other small domestic animals.
ANIMAL UNDER RESTRAINT: Any animal under the control of its owner or person having charge, care, custody or control, shall be considered under control of the owner when on a leash or lead, confined within a vehicle, or within the real property limits of the owner.
BITE: An actual breaking of the skin, tear, puncture, laceration or abrasion by the teeth of an animal.
CAT: Any age feline of the domesticated types.
CATTERY: An establishment for boarding, breeding, buying, grooming or selling cats for fee.
DOG: Any canine families over four (4) months of age. Any canine families under four (4) months of age is a puppy.
DOMESTICATED ANIMALS: Animals accustomed to living in or about the habitation of man, including, but not limited to, cats, dogs, fowl, horses, swine and goats.
GUARD DOG: A working dog which must be kept in a fenced run or other suitable enclosure during business hours, or on a leash or under absolute control while working, so it cannot come into contact with the public.
HOLDING FACILITY: Any pet shop, kennel, cattery, groomer, riding school stable, animal shelter, veterinary hospital, humane establishment, or any other such facility used for holding animals.
KENNEL: An establishment having three (3) or more dogs for the purpose of boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for fee or selling.
LEASH OR LEAD: Any chain, rope or device used to restrain an animal.
PET: A domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility, including, but not limited to, birds, cats, dogs, fish, hamsters, mice and other animals associated with man's environment.
PET SHOP: Any establishment containing cages or exhibition pens, not part of a kennel or cattery, wherein dogs, cats, birds or other pets for sale are kept or displayed.
QUARANTINE: The isolation of an animal in a substantial enclosure so that the animal is not subject to contact with other animals or unauthorized persons.
RIDING SCHOOL OR STABLE: An establishment which offers boarding and/or riding instruction for any horse, pony, donkey, mule or burro, or which offers such animals for hire.
STRAY: Any "animal at large", as defined in this section.
VICIOUS ANIMAL: Any animal which is dangerously aggressive, including, but not limited to, any animal which has bitten or in any other manner attacked any person or animal.
WILD ANIMAL: Any animal of a species that in its natural life is wild. Those animals, however domesticated, shall include, but are not limited to:
A. Alligators and crocodiles.
B. Bears (Ursidae): All bears, including grizzly bears, brown bears, black bears, etc.
C. Cat family (Felidae): All except the commonly accepted domestic cats, and including cheetahs, cougars, leopards, lions, lynxes, panthers, mountain lions, tigers, wildcats, etc.
D. Dog family (Canidae): All except domesticated dogs, and including wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingos, etc.
E. Porcupines (Erethizontidae).
F. Primates (Hominidae): All subhuman primates.
G. Raccoons (Prosynnidae): All raccoons, including eastern raccoons, desert raccoons, ringtailed cats, etc.
H. Skunks.
I. Venomous fish and piranha.
J. Weasels (Mustelidae): All including weasels, martens, wolverines, ferrets, badgers, otters, ermine, mink, mongooses, etc., except that persons raising members of this family as a business for the pelts shall not be prohibited by this chapter. (Ord. 2012-09, 5-23-2012)
A. Division Of Animal Control: There is hereby created a division of animal control. (1989 Code § 13-202)
B. Powers Of Animal Control Officials:
1. The animal control officer or any person employed by the city as an animal control officer shall take the oath of office and shall be vested with the power and authority to enforce this chapter.
2. The animal control officer is authorized and empowered to apprehend and take with them and impound any animal found in violation of this chapter and including licensable dogs for which no license has been procured in accordance with this chapter, or any licensed or unlicensed dogs for any other violation thereof.
3. In the enforcement of this chapter, any peace officer or the animal control officer is authorized to enter onto the open premises excluding dwellings of any person to take possession of any dog in violation of this chapter.
4. Any peace officer or the animal control officer is empowered to issue citations in regards to acts in violation of this chapter. (1989 Code § 13-203)
C. Duties Of Animal Control Officials:
1. Any peace officer or the animal control officer shall:
a. Enforce this chapter and perform other responsibilities pursuant thereto;
b. Supervise the municipal animal shelter under his jurisdiction;
c. Keep adequate records of all animals impounded and all monies collected;
d. See that all animals and animal holding facilities in his jurisdiction are licensed, controlled and permitted in accordance with any applicable ordinance and/or regulations.
2. Animal control officers shall:
a. Enforce this chapter in all respects pertaining to animal control within the jurisdiction, including the care and impounding of animals and prevention of cruelty to animals;
b. Carry out all duties prescribed or delegated by the city manager or a designated supervisor. (1989 Code § 13-204)
D. Interference With Officer Prohibited: It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly and intentionally to interfere with any peace officer or any animal control officer in the lawful discharge of his duties as herein prescribed. (1989 Code § 13-205)
A. License Required: All dogs must be licensed every two (2) years, except as otherwise provided herein, to a person of the age of eighteen (18) years or older.
B. Lifetime Dog License: A lifetime dog license can be purchased for the life of the dog, or until such animal is removed from the city, for a onetime fee. The dog must be altered prior to licensing, have a current rabies vaccination, and a current rabies vaccination must be kept on file for the extent of the license. This license is not transferable to another animal or owner, and will be voided if such actions occur.
C. Time Limit For Obtaining: Any person owning, possessing or harboring any dog shall obtain a license for such animal within thirty (30) days after the dog reaches the age of four (4) months; or in the case of a dog over four (4) months, within five (5) days of the acquisition of the dog.
D. Application For License: License applications must be submitted at time of purchase to the division of animal control, utilizing a standard form which requests name, address, telephone number of the applicant; breed, sex, color and age of the animal; and rabies information. The application shall be accompanied by the prescribed license fee and by a current rabies vaccination certificate. Rabies vaccinations shall be given by a licensed veterinarian, every three (3) years.
E. License Fee:
1. No license shall be issued until the following license fee has been paid. All fees are listed in the master fee schedule for Washington City on file with the city.
2. In addition to the regular fee, no license fee shall be prorated or apportioned. The fees provided for herein may be amended from time to time by resolution of the city council. No dog will be licensed as spayed or neutered without proof that such surgery was performed.
F. Kennels; Conditional Use Permits:
1. Except for commercial kennels, which have been granted a conditional use permit by the city council, no person or entity shall own, possess, keep or maintain more than four (4) dogs in one location within the city limits. Further, in agricultural, residential agricultural, single-family residential, multiple-family residential, neighborhood commercial and mobile home zones, no person or entity shall own, possess, keep or maintain more than two (2) dogs, unless a permit for a residential kennel has been approved by the animal control department.
2. In addition to the requirements of subsection D of this section, applications for a license for a third or fourth dog in any area zoned agricultural, residential agricultural, single-family residential, multiple-family residential, neighborhood commercial or mobile home shall not be approved until such time that a permit for a residential kennel has been granted by the animal control department.
3. A residential kennel permit is only valid during the license period. The residential kennel permit will not be granted with lifetime dog licenses. The application must be submitted and approved and the residential kennel permit fees must be collected, prior to licensing of the third and/or fourth dog.
G. License Tag:
1. Upon payment of the license fee, the city shall issue to the owner a certificate and a tag for each dog licensed. The tag shall have stamped thereon the license number corresponding with the tag number on the certificate. The owner shall attach the tag to the collar or harness of the animal and see that the collar and tag are constantly worn. Failure to attach the tag as provided shall be in violation of this chapter, excepting dogs which are kept for show purposes are exempt from wearing the collar and tag.
2. Dog tags are not transferable from one dog to another. No refunds shall be made on any dog license fee for any reason whatsoever. Replacements for lost or destroyed tags shall be issued upon payment to the city. See master fee schedule for Washington City on file with the city.
3. Any person removing or causing to be removed the collar, harness or tag from any licensed dog without the consent of the owner or keeper thereof, except a licensed veterinarian or animal control officer who removes such for medical and other reasons, shall be in violation of this chapter.
H. Exemptions To License Requirements:
1. The provisions of subsections A through G of this section shall not apply to:
a. Dogs whose owners are in transit (up to 30 days) within the jurisdiction;
b. Individual dogs within a properly licensed dog kennel or other such establishment when such dogs are held for resale.
2. The fee provisions of subsection E of this section shall not apply to:
a. Seeing eye dogs properly trained to assist blind persons if such dogs are actually being used by blind persons to assist them in moving from place to place;
b. Hearing dogs properly trained to assist deaf persons if such dogs are actually used by deaf persons to aid them in responding to sounds.
3. Although exempt from the fees of subsection E of this section, a license tag will be issued by the city, which must be attached to the harness, leash or collar of the dog as prescribed in subsection G1 of this section.
4. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed so as to exempt any dog from having a current rabies vaccination. (Ord. 2012-09, 5-23-2012)
A. Commercial Permits: It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or maintain a kennel, cattery, pet shop, groomery, riding stable, veterinary clinic or hospital, or any similar establishment, unless such person first obtains a regulatory permit from the department of animal control, in addition to all other required licenses. All applications for permits to operate such establishments shall be submitted, together with the required permit fee, on a printed form provided by the animal control officer. Before the permit is issued, approval shall be granted by the appropriate zoning authority.
B. Display Of Permit; Changes; Transferability: A valid permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place in each establishment, and said permit shall be considered as appurtenant to the premises and not transferable to another location. The permittee shall notify the animal control officer within thirty (30) days of any change in his establishment or operation which may affect the status of his permit. In the event of a change in ownership of the establishment, the permittee shall notify the animal control officer immediately. Permits shall not be transferable from one owner to another.
C. Renewal Of Permit: Any permit issued pursuant to this section shall automatically expire on December 31 immediately following date of issue. Within two (2) months prior to the expiration of the permit, the permittee shall apply for a renewal of the permit and pay the required fee. Any application made after December 31, except an application for a new establishment opening subsequent to that date, shall be accompanied by a late application fee in addition to the regular permit fee.
D. Permit Fees: Current fees are listed in the master fee schedule for Washington City on file with the city.
E. Exemptions: Research facilities where medical or related research is being conducted, humane shelters and other animal establishments operated by state or local government or which are licensed by federal law are excluded from the licensing requirements of this chapter.
F. Inspection: All establishments required to be permitted under this chapter shall be subject to periodic inspections, and the inspector shall make a report of such inspection with a copy to be filed with the animal control officer.
G. Standards For Permitted Establishments: The animal control officer shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the operation of kennels, catteries, groomeries, pet shops, riding stables, and veterinary clinics or hospitals. Such rules and regulations shall provide for the type of structures, buildings, pens, cages, runways or yards required for the animal sought to be kept, harbored or confined on such premises; the manner in which food, water and sanitation facilities will be provided to such animals; measures relating to the health of said animals, the control of noise and odors, and the protection of persons or property on adjacent premises; and other such matters as the animal control officer shall deem necessary. Such rules and regulations shall have the effect of law, and violation of such rules and regulations shall be deemed a violation of this chapter and grounds for revocation of a permit issued by the animal control officer.
H. Suspension Or Revocation Of Permit:
1. Grounds: A permit may be suspended or revoked, or a permit application rejected, on any one or more of the following grounds:
a. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any other law or regulation governing the establishment, including noise, building and zoning ordinances;
b. Falsification of facts in a permit application;
c. Conviction on a charge of cruelty to animals.
2. Notification: Upon an inspection of kennels, catteries, groomeries, pet shops, riding stables, veterinary clinics or hospitals, the inspector shall notify the permit holder or operator of such violation by means of an inspection report form or other written notice. The notification shall:
a. Set forth the specific violation found;
b. Establish a specific and reasonable period of time for the correction of the violation found;
c. State that failure to comply with any notice issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter may result in immediate suspension of the permit;
d. State that an opportunity for appeal from any notice or inspection findings will be provided if a written request for a hearing is filed with the animal control officer within five (5) days of the date of notice.
3. Revocation Or Suspension: Any permit granted under this chapter may be suspended or revoked by the city for violations listed in subsection H1 of this section. A minimum of five (5) days' notice shall be given to the permittee advising him of the date and time for such hearing, and listing the cause or causes for such suspension or revocation. No new permit shall be issued to any person whose permit has been previously revoked except upon application for a new permit, accompanied by the required application fee, and unless and until all requirements of this chapter have been met.
4. Emergency Suspension: Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, when the inspecting officer finds unsanitary or other conditions in the operation of kennels, catteries, groomeries, veterinary clinics or hospitals, riding stables, pet shops, or any similar establishments, which, in his judgment, constitute a substantial hazard to public health, he may, without warning or hearing, issue a written notice to the permit holder or operator citing such condition, specifying the corrective action to be taken. Such order may state that the permit is immediately suspended and all operations are to be immediately discontinued. Any person to whom such an order is issued shall comply immediately therewith. Any animals at such a facility may be confiscated by the animal control officer and impounded or otherwise provided for according to the provisions of this chapter.
5. Service Of Notice: Notice provided for under this section shall be deemed to have been properly served when the original of the inspection report form or other notice has been delivered personally to the permit holder or person in charge, or such notice has been sent by certified mail to the last known address of the permit holder. A copy of such notice shall be filed with the records of the animal control officer. (Ord. 2012-09, 5-23-2012)
A. Harboring Stray Dogs: It shall be unlawful for any person to harbor or keep any lost or strayed dog. Whenever any dog shall be found which appears to be lost or strayed, it shall be the duty of the finder to notify the animal control or the police department within twenty four (24) hours, and the police department shall impound the dog as herein provided. (Ord. 2012-02, 2-8-2012)
B. Dogs Running At Large: It shall be unlawful for any dog to run at large. If any dog is at large, the owner or person having charge, care, custody or control of said dog is in violation of this section regardless of the precautions taken to prevent the escape and running at large of said dog. (Ord. 2017-01, 1-11-2017)
C. Dogs On Unenclosed Premises: It shall be unlawful for any person to chain, stake out or tether any dog on any unenclosed premises in such a manner that the animal may go beyond the property line, unless such person has permission of the owner of the affected property. (1989 Code § 13-245)
D. Female Dogs In Heat: Any owner or person having charge, care, custody or control of any female dog in heat shall, in addition to restraining such dog from running at large, cause such dog to be constantly confined in a building or secure enclosure so as to prevent it from attracting by scent or coming into contact with other dogs and creating a nuisance, except for planned breeding. (1989 Code § 13-246)
E. Places Prohibited To Dogs: It shall be unlawful for any person to take or permit any dog, whether loose or on a leash or in arms, in or about any establishment or place of business where food or food products are sold or displayed, including, but not limited to, restaurants, grocery stores, meat markets and fruit or vegetable stores; however, seeing eye and hearing dogs and dogs employed by government agencies shall be excluded from the requirements of this subsection. (1989 Code § 13-247)
F. Cruelty To Animals:
1. Physical Abuse: It is unlawful for any person to wilfully or maliciously kill, maim, disfigure, torture, beat with a stick, chain, club or other object, mutilate, burn or scald, overdrive or otherwise cruelly set upon any animal. Each offense shall constitute a separate violation.
2. Hobbling Animals: It is unlawful for any person to hobble livestock or other animals by any means which may cause injury or damage to any animal.
3. Lack Of Care And Maintenance: It shall be the duty of any person to provide any animal in his charge or custody, as owner or otherwise, with adequate food, drink, care and shelter.
4. Animals In Vehicles: It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or confine any animal in or upon any vehicle in a cruel or inhumane manner, including, but not limited to, carrying or confining such animal without adequate ventilation or for an unusual length of time.
5. Abandonment Of Animals: It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon any animal within the jurisdiction.
6. Animal Poisoning: It shall be unlawful for any person by any means to make accessible to any animal, with intent to cause harm or death, any substance which has in any manner been treated or prepared with any harmful or poisonous substance. This provision shall not be interpreted so as to prohibit the use of poisonous substances for the control of vermin in furtherance of the public health when applied in such a manner as to reasonably prohibit access to other animals.
7. Injury To Animals By Motorists:
a. Every operator of a motor or other self-propelled vehicle upon the streets of the jurisdiction shall immediately, upon injuring, striking, maiming or running down any domestic animal, give such aid as can reasonably be rendered. In the absence of the owner, he shall immediately notify the animal control department, furnishing requested facts relative to such injury.
b. It shall be the duty of such operator to remain at or near the scene until such time as the appropriate authorities arrive, and upon the arrival of such authorities, the operator shall immediately identify himself to such authorities. Alternatively, in the absence of the owner, a person may give aid by taking the animal to the animal control department. Such animal may be taken in by the animal control facility and dealt with as deemed appropriate under the circumstances.
8. Animals For Fighting:
a. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to raise, keep or use any animal, fowl or bird for the purpose of fighting or baiting of any animal or fowl; and for any person, firm or corporation to knowingly rent any building, shed, room, yard, ground or premises for any such purposes as aforesaid, or to knowingly suffer or permit the use of his buildings, sheds, rooms, yards, grounds or premises for the purposes aforesaid.
b. Law enforcement officers or animal control officials may enter any building or place where there is an exhibition of the fighting or baiting of a live animal, or where preparations are being made for such an exhibition, and the law enforcement officers may arrest persons there present and take possession of all animals engaged in fighting, or there found for the purposes of fighting, along with all implements or applications used in such exhibitions. This provision shall not be interpreted to authorize a search or arrest without a warrant when such is required by law.
9. Killing Of Birds: It shall be unlawful for any person to take or kill any bird, or to rob or destroy any nest, egg or young of any bird in violation of the laws of the state.
10. Malicious Impounding: It shall be unlawful for any person maliciously to secrete or impound the animal of another. (1989 Code § 13-259)
A. Attacking Dogs: It shall be unlawful for the owner or person having charge, care, custody or control of any dog to allow such dog to attack, chase or worry any person, or domestic animal, or any species of hooved, protected wildlife, or to attack domestic fowl. "Worry", as used in this section, shall mean to harass by tearing, biting or shaking with the teeth.
B. Owner Liability: The owner in violation of subsection A of this section shall be strictly liable for violation of this section. In addition to being subject to prosecution under subsection A of this section, the owner of such dog shall also be liable in damages to any person injured or to the owner of any animal injured or destroyed thereby.
C. Defenses: The following shall be considered in mitigating the penalties or damages, or in dismissing the charge:
1. That the dog was properly confined on the premises;
2. That the dog was deliberately or maliciously provoked.
D. Dogs May Be Killed: Any public safety officer may kill a dog while it is committing any of the acts specified in subsection A of this section, or while such dog is being pursued thereafter. (1989 Code § 13-248)
E. Court Order For Disposition: Upon the trial of any offense under this section, the court may, upon conviction and in addition to the usual judgment of conviction, order the impound master or other authorized person of the city to put the dog to death or may order such other disposition of the dog as will protect the inhabitants and animals of the city. (Ord. 92-14, 4-22-1992)
Every animal so vicious and dangerous that it cannot be controlled by reasonable restraints, and every dangerous and vicious animal not effectively controlled by its owner or person having charge, care or control of such animal, so that it shall not injure any person or property, is a hazard to public safety, and the animal control officer shall seek a court order pursuant to section 5-1-15 of this chapter for destruction of the animal. If any animal attacks or bites a person or animal two (2) times or more in a twelve (12) month period, such animal may be immediately impounded by the department of animal control without court order and held at owner expense pending court action. Any such animal shall be deemed a vicious animal. The police officer or animal control officer shall seek a court order as provided in section 5-1-15 of this chapter for destruction of the animal. Parties owning such animals shall, if possible, be notified immediately of the animal's location by the animal control officer. This section shall not limit any other section in this chapter. (Ord. 92-15, 4-22-1992)
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to own a dog that bites a person without provocation, or to own a dog that has a known propensity to attack or bite human beings without provocation. (This shall not prohibit ownership of particular breeds of dogs, but is meant only to apply to individual dogs who have such a propensity.) After a dog bites a person, the animal control officer may impound the dog which may not be redeemed while awaiting final decision of the court as to the disposition to be made of the dog.
B. Upon the trial of any offense under this section, the court may, upon conviction and in addition to the usual judgment of conviction, order the impound master or other authorized person of the city to put the dog to death or may order such other disposition of the dog as will protect the inhabitants of the city. (Ord. 92-16, 5-13-1992)
A. Reporting Required: Any person having knowledge of any individual or animal having been bitten by an animal of a species subject to rabies shall report the incident immediately to the city.
B. Owner Report: The owner of an animal that bites a person and any person bitten by an animal shall report the bite to city within twenty four (24) hours of the bite, regardless of whether or not the biting animal is of a species subject to rabies.
C. Physician Or Medical Personnel: A physician or other medical personnel who renders professional treatment to a person bitten by an animal shall report the fact that he has rendered professional treatment to the city within twenty four (24) hours of his first professional attendance. He shall report the name, sex and address of the person bitten as well as the type and location of the bite. If known, he shall give the name and address of the owner of the animal that inflicted the bite, and any other facts that may assist the animal control officer in ascertaining the immunization status of the animal.
D. Person Treating Bitten Animal: Any person treating an animal bitten, injured or mauled by another animal shall report the incident to the city or the animal control officer. The report shall contain the name and address of the owner of the wounded, injured or bitten animal, the name and address of the owner and description of the animal which caused the injury, and the location of the incident.
E. Violation: Any person not conforming with the requirements of this section shall be in violation of this chapter. (1989 Code § 13-252; amd. 2007 Code)
Any owner or person having charge, care, custody or control of any animal or animals causing a "nuisance", as defined below, shall be in violation of this chapter and subject to the penalties provided herein. The following shall be deemed a "nuisance". Any animal which:
A. Causes damage to the property of anyone other than its owner;
B. Is a "vicious animal", as defined herein and kept contrary to section 5-1-7 of this chapter;
C. Causes unreasonable fouling of the air by odors;
D. Causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings;
E. Defecates on any public sidewalk, park or building, or on any private property without the consent of the owner of such private property, unless the person owning, having a proprietary interest in, harboring or having care, charge, control, custody or possession of such animal shall remove any such defecation to a proper trash receptacle;
F. Barks, whines or howls or makes other disturbing noises in an excessive, continuous or untimely fashion; persons making a complaint must sign the summons against the violator which will subsequently be delivered by a public safety officer;
G. Molests passersby by barking, snapping, pawing, clawing, biting or growling;
H. Chases passing vehicles;
I. Attacks other domestic animals; (1989 Code § 13-250)
J. Is determined by the code enforcement department to be a public nuisance by virtue of being offensive or dangerous to the public health, welfare or safety;
K. By virtue of the number maintained, is determined by the code enforcement department to be offensive or dangerous to the public health, welfare or safety. (Ord. 2012-02, 2-8-2012)
A. Rabies Vaccination Required For Dogs: The owner or person having the charge, care, custody and control of a four (4) months of age or older dog shall have the animal vaccinated within thirty (30) days after it reaches said age. Any person permitting any such animal to habitually be on or remain, or be lodged or fed within such person's house, yard or premises, shall be responsible for said vaccination. Unvaccinated dogs over four (4) months of age acquired by the owner or moved into the jurisdiction must be vaccinated within thirty (30) days of purchase or arrival. Every dog shall be revaccinated thereafter every thirty six (36) months with a modified virus rabies vaccine. This provision shall not apply to veterinarian or kennel operators temporarily maintaining on their premises animals owned by others. (Ord. 2004-20, 6-23-2004)
B. Duties Of Veterinarian And Tag Requirements:
1. It shall be the duty of each veterinarian, when vaccinating any animal for rabies, to complete a certificate of rabies vaccination (in duplicate) which includes the following information:
a. Owner's name and address;
b. Description of animal (breed, sex, markings, age, name);
c. Date of vaccination;
d. Rabies vaccination tag number;
e. Type of rabies vaccine administered;
f. Manufacturer's serial number of vaccine.
2. A copy of this certificate shall be distributed to the owner and the original retained by the issuing veterinarian. The veterinarian and the owner shall retain their copies of the certificate for the interval between vaccinations specified in this section. Additionally, a metal or durable plastic rabies vaccination tag, serially numbered, shall be securely attached to the collar or harness of the animal. An animal not wearing such a tag shall be deemed to be unvaccinated and may be impounded and dealt with pursuant to this chapter.
C. Transient Animal; Exception: The provisions of this section with respect to vaccination shall not apply to any animal owned by a person temporarily remaining within the jurisdiction for less than thirty (30) days. Such animals shall be kept under strict supervision of the owner. It shall be unlawful to bring any animal into the jurisdiction which does not comply with the animal health laws and import regulations.
D. Impoundment Of Animal Without Valid Rabies Vaccination Tag:
1. Any vaccinated animal impounded because of lack of a rabies vaccination tag may be reclaimed by its owner furnishing proof of rabies vaccination and payment of all impoundment fees prior to release.
2. Any unvaccinated animal may be reclaimed prior to disposal by payment of impound fees and by obtaining a rabies vaccination within seventy two (72) hours of release.
3. Any dog not reclaimed prior to the seventy two (72) hour period shall be disposed of pursuant to provisions of subsection 5-1-14C of this chapter.
E. Reporting Of Rabid Animals: Any person having knowledge of the whereabouts of an animal known to have been exposed to, or suspected of having, rabies, or of an animal or person bitten by such a suspect animal, shall notify the animal control officer, the city-county health department or the state division of health.
F. Quarantining And Disposition Of Biting Or Rabid Animals:
1. Report; Confinement: An animal that has rabies or shows signs of having rabies, and every animal bitten by another animal infected with rabies or that has been exposed to rabies, shall be reported by the owner as set forth above and shall immediately be confined in a secure place by the owner. The owner shall turn over the animal to the animal control officer upon demand.
2. Surrender Upon Demand: The owner of any animal of a species subject to rabies which has bitten shall surrender the animal to an authorized official upon demand. Any person authorized to enforce this chapter may enter upon private property to seize the animal; if the owner refuses to surrender the animal, the officer shall immediately obtain a search warrant authorizing seizure and impoundment of the animal.
3. Seizure And Quarantine: Any animal of a species subject to rabies that bites a person or animal or is suspected of having rabies may be seized and quarantined for observation for a period of not less than ten (10) days by the animal control officer and/or the city-county health department. The owner of the animal shall bear the cost of confinement. The animal shelter shall be the normal place for quarantine. If the animal has a current rabies vaccination at the time the bite was inflicted or if there are other special circumstances justifying an exception, other arrangements may be made for quarantine. A person who has custody of an animal under quarantine shall immediately notify the department of animal control if the animal shows any signs of sickness or abnormal behavior, or if the animal escapes confinement. It shall be unlawful for any person who has custody of a quarantined animal to fail or refuse to allow a health or animal control officer to make an inspection or examination during the period of quarantine. If the animal dies within ten (10) days from the date of bite, the person having custody shall immediately notify the department or immediately remove and deliver the head to the state health laboratory to be examined for rabies. If, at the end of the ten (10) day period, the animal control officer examines the animal and finds no sign of rabies, the animal may be released to the owner, or, in the case of a stray, it shall be disposed of as provided in subsection 5-1-14C of this chapter.
4. Unvaccinated Bitten Animals:
a. In the case of an unvaccinated animal species subject to rabies which is known to have been bitten by a known rabid animal, said bitten or exposed animal should be immediately destroyed.
b. If the owner is unwilling to destroy the bitten or exposed animal, the animal shall be immediately isolated and quarantined for six (6) months under veterinary supervision, the cost of such confinement to be paid in advance by the owner. The animal shall be destroyed if the owner does not comply herewith. (1989 Code § 13-253)
5. Vaccinated Bitten Animals:
a. If the bitten or exposed animal has been vaccinated, the animal shall be revaccinated within twenty four (24) hours and quarantined for a period of thirty (30) days following revaccination; or (1989 Code § 13-253; amd. 2007 Code)
b. If the animal is not revaccinated within twenty four (24) hours, the animal shall be isolated and quarantined under veterinary supervision for six (6) months.
c. The animal shall be destroyed if the owner does not comply with subsection F5a or F5b of this section.
6. Removal Of Quarantined Animal: It shall be unlawful for any person to remove any such animal from the place of quarantine without written permission of the animal control officer. (1989 Code § 13-253)
If the owner of any dog is found to be in violation of this chapter on three (3) or more different occasions during any twelve (12) month period, the animal control officer shall seek a court order pursuant to section 5-1-15 of this chapter revoking for a period of one year any dog license. The animal control officer shall pick up and impound any dogs kept by the person under such order. Any dog impounded pursuant to such an order shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this chapter on impounded animals, except that the person under the order of revocation shall not be allowed to redeem the dog under any circumstances. (1989 Code § 13-251)
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