§ 4-11. Registration of animals

(a) Dogs and cats.

(1) The owner of a dog or cat that is over the age of 16 weeks within the city limits shall register the animal with the city. The business of filing paperwork, payment and receipt of registration shall be conducted at the cashier window at city hall or at such other location as directed by the city manager.

(2) Registration shall not be required of a nonresident who keeps a dog or cat within the city for no longer than 30 consecutive days.

(3) At the time of registration the owner shall provide proof of current rabies vaccination by showing a certificate of vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian.

(4) The city shall issue to the owner a registration certificate for each animal owned. This certificate shall contain the following information as a minimum for identification:

a. The owner's name, address and telephone numbers;

b. The animal's name, sex, altered status, color, type, breed and any other distinct characteristics;

c. The veterinarian or animal clinic's name and rabies tag number, fee information and total amount collected;

d. Signature of person issuing the registration, expiration date of registration and registration tag number.

The animal control officer will retain a copy of each certificate of registration.

(5) Each animal receiving a registration number may be photographed by the animal control officer for further purposes of identification.

(6) Within 30 days of any change of ownership of a registered animal the new owner shall transfer the registration certificate to the new owner's name. The new owner shall also notify the animal control officer of the transfer and must obtain a new certificate of registration as provided by this section.

(b) Tag.

(1) The city shall issue a metal registration tag for each animal registered. The tag shall bear a serial number plainly inscribed thereon for each dog or cat for which the city issues a registration certificate. The tag is to remain with the animal for its lifetime.

(2) The tag will be delivered to the owner at the time of registration.

(3) The owner shall attach the tag to a collar or harness that is to be worn by the animal when it is off of the owner's property.

(4) If the tag is lost or destroyed the owner shall apply to the city for a new tag by presenting the registration certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. The owner will then be issued a new registration with the original date of the lost or destroyed tag. This new registration will be free of charge if proof of the lost or destroyed tag's registration is provided.

(c) Fees. A one-time registration fee shall be charged for each animal registered.

(1) All domestic animals (dogs and cats): $35.00 per animal.

(2) In the event that an individual dog has been designated by a court of law to be a dangerous dog, the owner of the dog shall register the animal for a fee of $250.00 per year.

(Ord. No. 590, § XII, 7-10-2012)