§ 6-21. Same—Vaccination requirements.

(a)

Any person who owns, keeps, possesses, provides for or harbors within the town any dog, cat, or ferret four months of age or older must have such animal vaccinated against rabies. Any person owning, keeping, possessing or harboring any dog, cat, or ferret without proof of a current valid vaccination shall be deemed to be violating this provision.

(b)

All dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with a vaccine that is licensed for use in such species and in the following manner:

(1)

The animal must be revaccinated 12 months after the initial vaccination.

(2)

For subsequent vaccinations, the interval between vaccinations shall conform to the vaccine manufacturer's directions.

(3)

Evidence of circulating rabies virus neutralizing antibodies shall not be used as a substitute for current vaccination in managing rabies exposure or determining the need for booster vaccinations.

(4)

Any owner or agent doing a self-vaccination for rabies shall be deemed in violation of this section.

(5)

A dog, cat, or ferret is only exempt from vaccination against rabies if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and has certified in writing that at the time vaccination would endanger the animal's health because of its age, infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations. An exempt animal must be vaccinated against rabies as soon as its health permits. A county license must be purchased regardless of the exemption from the rabies vaccination.

(c)

A licensed veterinarian shall provide the owner of the animal a rabies vaccination certificate at the time of the vaccination. Similarly, the licensed veterinarian shall provide animal services a copy of the actual rabies certificate within 30 days of the vaccination or immediately upon demand for investigations, public safety or other reasons of enforcement.

(1)

Each veterinarian shall use the "Rabies Vaccination Certificate," of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) or an equivalent form approved by the local government.

(2)

Failure to provide the rabies vaccination certificate as required by this section shall be deemed a separate and distinct violation for each certificate not issued or provided to domestic animal services.

(Ord. No. 10-03, § 24, 2-16-2010)