Chapter 6.10
LICENSING AND VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS
Sections:
6.10.020 Abuse or interference with police department animals.
6.10.030 Antirabies vaccination of dogs and cats required.
6.10.040 Annual dog and cat license required.
6.10.050 Kennel license required.
* Prior legislation: Ords. 5, 48 and 97.
6.10.010 Rabies control.
A. Rabies control shall be classified and under the control of the local district health office.
B. No person shall fail or refuse to surrender any animal for quarantine or destruction as required by the animal control officer.
C. It shall be the duty of every person to report any animal suspected of being rabid.
D. Every animal bite shall be reported within 24 hours of occurrence.
E. Hospitals, clinics and other premises operated by licensed veterinarians for the care and treatment of animals are exempt from this section except where expressly stated. [Ord. 241 § 7-1-17, 2007].
6.10.020 Abuse or interference with police department animals.
A. Definition. As used in this section, the term “abuse or interference with police department animals” consists of either:
1. Willfully or maliciously torturing, tormenting, beating, kicking, striking, mutilating, injuring, disabling or killing any animal used by any peace officer in the performance of his/her duties or of the functions or duties of the police department;
2. Knowingly interfering with or meddling with any such animal, or the equipment used on or by such animal; or
3. Knowingly engaging in conduct designed to agitate or distract any such animal.
B. Violations. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding that authorized by state law. [Amended during 2014 codification; Ord. 241 § 7-1-18, 2007].
6.10.030 Antirabies vaccination of dogs and cats required.
A. Any person who owns or keeps a dog or cat over the age of three months in this state shall have the dog or cat vaccinated against rabies as prescribed by the state Department of Health. All antirabies vaccines shall be administered by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian who shall issue a serially numbered certificate and tag for each such administration.
B. Tag. Dogs and cats shall wear a current anti-rabies vaccination tag at all times. [Ord. 241 § 7-1-19, 2007].
State law references: Vaccinations required, Section 77-1-3 NMSA 1978.
6.10.040 Annual dog and cat license required.
A. An owner of a dog or cat over six months of age within the Village shall obtain a dog or cat license issued by the Village or its agent.
B. License Issuance.
1. License fees shall be $5.00 for each fixed animal and $10.00 for each unfixed animal.
2. A written license and a license tag shall be issued upon proof that the dog or cat has been properly vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
3. An altered animal discount shall be given upon proof that the dog or cat is spayed. Proof shall consist of a written certificate by a licensed veterinarian that the animal has been spayed, or that spaying would be an unnecessary surgical risk for the animal due to its age or physical condition.
4. The Village or its agent shall maintain public records of the license applications and licenses issued.
C. License Application. Application for the license shall be made by the owner within 30 days of acquiring ownership of a dog or cat over the age of six months, except that this requirement shall not apply to a non-Village resident keeping a dog or cat within the Village for no longer than 60 days; provided, that the animal is currently vaccinated against rabies.
D. License Tag. Dogs and cats shall wear a current license tag at all times.
E. Denial. If the license applicant has withheld or falsified any application information, the license shall be refused or revoked.
F. Duration. License fees shall be paid annually not later than January 31st of each year and the full amount shall be paid for any fraction of the licensing year. Upon collection of the license fee by the Village, a dated and numbered certificate shall be issued stating the name and address of the owner, rabies tag number and the animal’s description.
G. Duplicate License. A duplicate license shall be issued upon payment of a replacement fee of the same cost as the initial license fee.
H. Issuance Restricted. No person may use a pet license issued under the provisions of this chapter for any dog or cat other than the animal for which it was issued.
I. Change of Ownership. When ownership of a dog or cat changes, the new owner shall obtain a new license for the animal. [Ord. 241 § 7-1-20, 2007].
6.10.050 Kennel license required.
A. No person shall keep or operate a private or commercial kennel without a kennel license issued by the Village.
B. Application Generally. Any person who operates or proposes to operate a private or commercial kennel shall file an application for a license with the animal control officer describing the location of the kennel and the purpose for which it is to be maintained. Veterinary hospitals or clinics shall be exempt from individual dog registrations required if the kennel dogs are kept in confinement on the premises. It shall be a condition of the issuance of any kennel license that the licensee consents to inspection of the premises by the animal control officer at any time between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
C. Application Conditions. All applications for kennel licenses must meet the following conditions:
1. An initial nonrefundable fee of $35.00 for commercial kennels and private kennels must accompany any application to defray the cost of processing the request.
a. The annual license fee of $35.00 is to be paid annually not later than January 31st of each year and the full amount shall be paid for any fraction of the licensing year.
b. Approval is required by the animal control officer and the applicant must obtain the written consent and approval of each and every owner or resident who maintains or occupies a home or residence within 500 feet of the kennel.
c. All boarded animals three months of age or over must meet the licensing requirements of this chapter.
2. All private kennel licenses must be renewed annually.
3. Any application may be denied if the owner or responsible person shows a history of noncompliance with Village ordinances concerning animal control as evidenced by two or more convictions of violations of such ordinances during the past year.
D. Revocation. A kennel or special license may be revoked when, in the opinion of the animal control officer, it is maintained that any one or more of the following conditions exists:
1. The property and pens are not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition to constitute a health hazard or produce noxious odors.
2. Structures are considered to be unsafe.
3. Maintaining animals unlicensed, as required by this chapter.
4. Any violation of VCMC 6.05.130 or 6.05.140.
5. The keeping of animals in excess of that number allowed under the existing kennel license.
E. Exceptions. Owners of kennels, who have applied for and received a kennel license for such kennel pursuant to Ordinance No. 155 at Village Hall on or before the date of publication of the enactment of the ordinance codified in this title, who has applied for and received a kennel license in accordance with Ordinance No. 155, and who maintains the kennel at all times in compliance with the requirements of subsections (C)(1), (C)(1)(a), (C)(2), (C)(3) and (D) of this section may keep the kennel within the municipal limits. This exception will only be granted to the current holder of the valid kennel license and shall not be transferred to any individual, business, entity, or any other location. [Ord. 241 § 7-1-21, 2007].