§ 6-38. Rabies vaccinations.

(a)

The owner(s) of every dog, cat or ferret four (4) months of age or older shall have it vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian. Said owner must maintain, on an annual basis or duration of the valid vaccination, proof, from the veterinarian who administered it, of a current rabies vaccination. If a veterinarian administers a vaccination licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture that is approved for three-year duration of immunity, a dog or cat may be vaccinated at three (3) to four (4) months of age with a booster at one (1) year and every three (3) years thereafter.

A dog, cat or ferret is exempt from rabies vaccinations if a veterinarian has examined the animal and has certified in writing that vaccinating the animal at that time would endanger the animal's health because of its age, infirmity, disability, illness or other medical considerations. An exemption under this provision that extends beyond twelve (12) months must be renewed annually through submission of a new exemption letter. No exemption letter shall be deemed valid after one (1) year from the date it was written.

(b)

In order to protect the public's health and safety, no person shall be the owner of or have as a pet or harbor within the city a known or potential rabies vector or high risk animal that cannot be immunized against rabies including, but not limited to, fox, raccoon, skunk, bat and bobcat.

(c)

Suspected rabies cases will be handled according to the health code as established by the state department of environmental health (authorized by F.S. § 381.006).

(d)

Violators of this section shall be guilty of a municipal offense, punishable as provided in section 6-5.

(Ord. No. 2017-01 , 2-6-17)