Chapter 20.16 Animal Disease Control

Sections:

20.16.010 Rabies vaccination required.
20.16.020 Quarantine or rabid animals required.
20.16.030 Rabies vaccination voucher authorization.

20.16.010 Rabies vaccination required. Every owner of a dog shall have such dog vaccinated against rabies. Upon making an application for a license for any dog, the owner shall furnish a certificate from a licensed veterinarian as proof of this vaccination. Notwithstanding the above, if the City Clerk determines that vaccine and veterinary services are not reasonably available, the City Clerk may issue any dog license without the furnishing of such certificate; provided, however, that the owner of each dog so licensed shall furnish proof of the vaccination to the issuing authority, within sixty days from the issuance of the license , or the license shall be deemed void and the owner in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 88-1 (part), 1988).

20.16.020 Quarantine of rabid animals required. a. If a dog or other animal is believed to have rabies or to be vicious, or has been bitten by dogs or other animals suspected of having rabies, such dog or other animal shall be confined by a leash or chain in a substantial enclosure on the owner's premises and shall be placed under the observation of a duly licensed physician or veterinarian for ten days at the expense of the owner. The owner shall notify a peace officer or animal control officer of the fact that this dog has been exposed to rabies, and, at his discretion the officer is empowered to have the dog moved from the owner's premises and placed under observation at the animal shelter or in a veterinary hospital for the quarantine period at the expense of the owner. (Note: also see 7AAC 27.020).
b. It is the duty of the Chief of Police to promptly notify the State Health Department Officer of the location and description of the dog or other animal having rabies or suspected of having rabies; also to supply the State Health Officer with the names and addresses of the persons who have been bitten, scratched or had any contact with the suspected animal.
c. The Chief of Police or his deputies are empowered to enter upon any private property where a dog or other animal id kept, which dog or animal is alleged to have bitten any person, to inspect, seize and impound such dog under the provisions stated in this chapter. (Ord. 99-1 (part), 1988).

20.16.030 Rabies vaccination voucher authorization. The Animal Control Officer is authorized to collect fees for, and issue to any dog owner claiming his animal at the shelter who is unable to provide adequate proof of current rabies vaccination, a "Rabies Vaccination Voucher." This voucher shall be valid for thirty days, and within that period, shall entitle the bearer to rabies vaccination for the thereon named animal, at any licensed veterinarian agreeing to accept same. The City shall set fees for such voucher at the average rates currently being charged by all veterinarians licensed within the City. In the event any person is unable to locate a veterinarian willing to accept the City vaccination voucher, the voucher fee shall be returned to that person after the voucher has expired and after that person provides evidence that he/she has otherwise obtained a rabies vaccination for the affected animal. The City is authorized to redeem all valid vouchers submitted by licensed veterinarians on a monthly basis for the standard fee set thereon. (Ord. 88-1 (part), 1988).