As provided by section 826.013, V.T.C.A. Texas Health & Safety Code, the city does hereby adopt V.T.C.A. Texas Health & Safety Code chapter 826, Rabies Control Act of 1981, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, for the purpose of rabies vaccination and quarantine requirements and procedure for the city (excluding, however, any provisions in the act concerning licensing of animals, which is not required by the city).

The owner of each dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies by three months of age. The animal must receive a booster within the 12-month interval following the initial vaccination. Every dog or cat must be vaccinated against rabies at a minimum of at least once every three years with a rabies vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Any dog not wearing a valid tag is presumed to be unvaccinated.

(Ordinance 276-08-08-26, art. VII, adopted 8/26/08)

§ 2.05.002 Reporting bites and scratches, exposure to rabies.

(a)

The receipt of a bite or scratch from any warmblooded animal, animal to human or animal-to-animal, is reason to suspect exposure to rabies.

(b)

Any person having knowledge of the existence of any animal within the city exhibiting symptoms of being exposed to rabies or that has bitten, scratched or otherwise attacked an individual or another animal shall report the animal or incident to the local rabies control authority or certified animal control officer as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours from the time of the incident. The report shall include the name and address of any victim and the owner of the animal, if known, and any other information relating to the animal or incident.

(c)

Any animal not reclaimed by its owner within 24 hours of the expiration of a quarantine period shall be deemed to have been abandoned by its owner.

(Ordinance 276-08-08-26, art. VII, adopted 8/26/08)