Vernon Municipal Code Ch. 6.20 Rabies Control

Every owner of a dog over the age of four months in the City shall cause such dog to be vaccinated with a type of rabies vaccine approved by the California Department of Health Services. Such vaccination shall be given within a period of 30 days after such dog comes into the care, custody, and control of such owner; provided, however, that the aforesaid provisions shall not apply to any dog which has been previously vaccinated within one year prior to the date such dog was first brought into the City.

(Prior code § 10.55)

Every owner of a dog in the City shall cause such dog to be revaccinated within one year of its first vaccination and every three years thereafter.

(Prior code § 10.56)

Every owner of a dog in the City required by this chapter to be vaccinated shall at all times have a certificate issued by a person licensed by the State of California or any other State or nation to practice veterinary medicine, which certificate shall specify that such dog has been vaccinated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and showing the date thereof.

(Prior code § 10.57)

Every owner applying for a dog license must exhibit a certificate showing the dog has been vaccinated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. An exemption may be granted for a dog which by reason of age, infirmity or other disability should not be vaccinated as certified by a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of California. Such exemption shall be valid for a period not to exceed one year. A dog license shall not be issued unless such certificate is exhibited.

(Prior code § 10.58)

At the time a dog license is issued, it shall be marked with the date of vaccination and the type of vaccine used as shown on said certificate, or a separate vaccination tag containing such information issued by the veterinarian at the time of such vaccination may be attached.

(Prior code § 10.59)

It is unlawful for any person having knowledge of the whereabouts of a dog known to have, or suspected of having or showing, symptoms of rabies to fail, refuse or neglect to immediately notify the Chief ACO, the Health Officer, or a police officer or to fail, refuse or neglect to allow the Chief ACO, the Health Officer, or a police officer to make an inspection or to cause an examination of such animal to determine whether such animal has rabies. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

(Prior code § 10.60)

Whenever a dog in the City is suspected of having rabies, has shown symptoms of rabies, or has bitten any person, the Chief ACO, the Health Officer, or any police officer, of the City may order such dog to be quarantined by keeping it securely confined on a chain or in a closed cage or paddock for a period of 10 days. No owner shall refuse or fail to quarantine or shall fail or refuse to allow the Chief ACO, the Health Officer, or a police officer to make an inspection or to cause an examination of such dog for rabies at any time during said period. During the quarantine period no such dog shall be removed without written permission of the Chief ACO, the Health Officer, or a police officer.

(Prior code § 10.61)

Whenever it is suspected that any person or animal shall have been bitten by any other animal or when any other animal has or is suspected of having rabies, all rules and regulations under this chapter shall apply, where applicable, substituting the word "animal" for "dog."

(Prior code § 10.62)