§ 10-16. License tags.

(a)

The owner of a dog or cat which is vaccinated against rabies shall obtain a license tag for such dog or cat each year. It is a violation of this chapter for the owner of a dog or cat to refuse or fail to obtain a license tag for the dog or cat as required by this section.

(b)

A license tag is not required if:

(1)

A dog or cat is maintained in a licensed pet store or shelter facility until such dog or cat is sold or transferred to a new owner; or

(2)

The owner of the dog or cat is not a resident of the city. For purposes of this chapter, any person who lives in the city for more than 30 consecutive days shall be deemed to be a resident of the city.

(c)

The license tag shall be issued by the community development department upon presentation of a certificate of rabies vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian, completion of an application for license tag, and payment of the applicable fee.

(d)

If a license tag is lost or destroyed, the owner of a dog or cat shall obtain a replacement license tag upon presentation of a certificate of rabies vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian and payment of the applicable fee.

(e)

By resolution, the city council shall establish fees to be charged for issuance of license tags. Such fees may be reduced for a license tag issued for a neutered dog or cat or for a first-time license tag issued for a dog or cat after June 30 of any year.

(f)

Any resident of the city who owns a dog guide, especially trained for the purpose and being used to assist a deaf person, totally or partially blind person, or physically disabled person, as defined in F.S. § 413.08, may obtain a license tag for such dog guide at no charge.

(g)

The license tag shall be attached to the collar or harness of the dog or cat and shall be worn at all times, except:

(1)

When such dog or cat is confined for treatment in a hospital or clinic operated by a licensed veterinarian;

(2)

When such dog or cat is participating in a show, demonstration or training program and is under physical control of the owner of the dog or cat;

(3)

If such dog or cat is permanently tattooed and the tattoo is registered with the animal control authority or his designee; or

(4)

If a licensed veterinarian certifies in writing that such dog or cat cannot wear the license tag because of hazard or medical condition involving the dog or cat.

(h)

It is a violation of this chapter for the owner of a dog or cat to permit or allow the dog or cat to be without the license tag as required by this section.

(i)

Each license tag shall be valid for a period not to exceed one calendar year beginning January 1 and ending December 31. It is a violation of this chapter for the owner of a dog or cat to permit or allow the dog or cat to wear a license tag which has expired.

(j)

A license tag issued for one dog or cat is not valid for any other dog or cat. It is a violation of this chapter for the owner of a dog or cat to permit or allow the dog or cat to wear a license tag which was not issued for such dog or cat.

(Ord. No. 1992-31, § 17, 12-15-92)