§ 6-52. Issuance of animal registration/identification tags.

(a)

All owners or custodians of dogs and cats in the unincorporated areas of the county shall obtain a county registration/identification tag for each dog and cat by the age of four months that they own, keep, harbor, maintain, or have in custody as follows:

(1)

Within 30 days of acquiring the dog or cat; or

(2)

Within 30 days after the owner or custodian takes residence in the unincorporated areas of the county, whichever occurs later.

(b)

Except as provided herein, registration/identification tags should be securely fastened about the animal's neck by a collar or other device so as to be clearly visible at all times. Dogs and cats not so registered/identified may be considered stray and in violation of section 6-25 and may be impounded as therein provided. A vaccination certificate and, if applicable, a sterilization certificate issued by a veterinarian must accompany all applications for a county registration/identification tag.

(c)

The registration/identification tag shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance or date of the rabies vaccination, whichever is earlier, for unsterilized animals. A separate tag shall be valid for the lifespan of sterilized animals.

(d)

Animal owners or custodians, or other entities, shall purchase a registration/identification tag directly from any participating veterinarians' office displaying the county animal control division seal. Such request shall include proof of current vaccination affidavit as set forth in subsection (b) of this section and a sterilization certificate duplicate copy, if applicable. The fees for registration/identification tags shall be established by resolution of the board. The county shall pay participating veterinarians and other participating entities the sums to be determined by resolution of the board for each registration/identification tag sold.

(e)

No registration/identification tag shall be transferable from one animal to another nor from one owner to another. Upon transfer of a previously registered animal to a new owner or custodian, the owner or custodian shall have a period of 30 days within which to comply with the requirements of this article.

(f)

Net proceeds accruing to the county from the sale of cat or dog registration/identification tags shall be turned over to the clerk of the circuit court to be placed in a fund designated as the animal registration fund. The proceeds shall be used for county-approved spay/neuter programs.

(g)

The registration provisions of this article shall not apply to:

(1)

Any owner or custodian who is a nonresident or temporary resident, as defined herein, provided that the owner's animal has been vaccinated for rabies, which vaccination remains valid under the laws of the county for the duration of the anticipated stay within the unincorporated areas of the county. A "temporary resident" as used herein shall mean a person who intends to reside in the unincorporated areas of the county for a total period of less than six months during any 12-month period. All other requirements, including, but not limited to, restraint obligations shall apply;

(2)

The ownership, care, custody or maintenance, in the ordinary course of business, of any animal by a research or veterinary medical facility, government operated or authorized animal shelter, humane society facility, boarding facility, or commercial pet shop; provided that said shelter, facility, or shop is operating in accordance with all applicable occupational licensing and zoning ordinances;

(3)

Dogs and cats kept on property zoned AG-1, AG-2.5, AG-5, or PUD where livestock is permitted; or

(4)

Service and/or therapy dogs and cats, including, but not limited to, guide dogs for persons with visual impairment.

(Code 1982, § 1-4-30; Ord. No. 07-010, pt. B, 4-3-2007)