§ 14-18. Vaccination proof required.

(a)

Any animal owner within the county shall have their animals over three months of age, including, but not limited to, dogs and cats, inoculated for the prevention of rabies in a manner pre-approved in writing by the county health department or by a licensed veterinarian in a manner consistent with state law and county department of health policies and regulations. Animal owners must be able to provide satisfactory documentation to animal control representative in the event that the animal:

• Has been impounded by an animal control employee,

• Is in the care and custody of animal control after being identified as a stray or abandoned animal,

• Has been found to be the cause, source or is otherwise identified as being involved in a violation of any other county ordinance or state law,

• Has bitten or scratched a human,

• Has bitten or scratched another animal,

• Has been in contact or otherwise exposed to a suspected rabid animal,

• Is being walked in a public area.

For the purposes of this chapter, satisfactory documentation shall include at least one of the following:

• A current rabies vaccination tag identifying the name or otherwise identifying title of the animal in question which also displays a state-issued rabies vaccination control number,

• A copy of the paid invoice from a veterinarian's office, indicating that the animal in question was administered a rabies vaccination,

• A letter or form from a veterinarian's office, stating that the office records indicate that the animal in question was administered a rabies vaccination; and that such vaccination is currently effective,

• A letter or form from the county health department, stating that the office records indicate that the animal in question was administered a rabies vaccination; and that such vaccination is currently effective.

(b)

The animal control department may adopt any other rabies control regulations as it deems necessary for the protection of the public health and safety.

(c)

All rules and regulations of the county board of health and the state department of human resources presently existing or as adopted in the future pertaining to rabies control and vaccination are incorporated in this chapter by reference as though fully set forth in this chapter.

(Res. No. 18-22, § 1(Exh. A), 5-8-2018)