§ 5-100. Microchipping required.

(a)

The owner or keeper of any equine, dog or cat must have the animal implanted with a registered microchip before the animal attains four (4) months of age. An equine, dog or cat is exempt from this requirement if the equine, dog or cat is determined to be medically unsuitable for microchipping by a licensed veterinarian in writing. If the animal is determined to be medically unsuitable for microchipping, the owner shall have the animal permanently marked with an identifying tattoo by a licensed veterinarian. Proof of medical unsuitability for microchipping along with the identifying tattoo number and owner's or keeper's name, address and telephone number must be provided to the department within thirty (30) days of tattooing. If there is a change in contact information, the owner or keeper of a tattooed animal shall update contact information with the department within thirty (30) days of the date of the change in contact information. If there is a change in ownership of a tattooed animal the initial owner or keeper shall be responsible for notifying the department of the change within thirty (30) days of the date of change in ownership. The new owner or keeper shall be responsible for providing the department with the new owner's or keeper's name, address and telephone number within thirty (30) days after the change in ownership.

(b)

It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:

(1)

The equine, dog or cat owner is a nonresident of this city and is keeping the subject animal in the city for fewer than sixty (60) days;

(2)

The animal owner has been a resident of this city for fewer than thirty (30) days; or

(3)

The animal had been abandoned or lost and the temporary owner has had the equine, dog or cat for fewer than thirty (30) days.

(Ord. No. 2017-10-05-0755 , § 1, 10-5-17)