[Adopted 3-14-1978 as Ord.
No. 991[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Article II, Rabies,
adopted 3-10-1960, as amended.
As used in this ordinance, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
A dog, cat or other mammal susceptible to rabies.
The date designated or indicated in the vaccination certificate as
marking the end of the period of immunity from rabies afforded by the vaccination.
Any person owning or having custody of an animal in Springfield Township.
Anyone who allows an animal to remain on his premises shall be considered
the owner of such animal.
A fatal, infectious disease of the brain caused by a specific virus
which occurs in saliva and is transmitted to new victims by the bite of the
afflicted animal.
The practice of innoculating with a vaccine to afford protection
against rabies.
A document signed by a qualified veterinarian, indicating that the
animal therein described has been vaccinated against rabies and containing
the additional facts called for by this ordinance.
A metal or durable plastic tag stating the dates of vaccination,
the tag number and veterinarian's name. Such tag must be affixed to the collar
or harness and be worn by the animal at all times.
A graduate of an accredited school of veterinary medicine, licensed
to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
It shall be the duty of any person having knowledge that an animal has
bitten or injured any person in Springfield Township to immediately report
the facts, including (if known) the whereabouts of said animal, to the Health
Officer or Police Department. It shall be the duty of the owner of said animal
to confine it immediately for 10 days and comply with the directions of the
Health Officer. The animal shall be examined within 48 hours by a veterinarian,
and a written report of such examination shall be submitted by the owner to
the Health Officer who, in his discretion, may order the owner to place it
in a veterinary hospital or other approved location. Immediate report shall
be made to the Health Officer if the animal becomes ill, escapes or dies.
At the end of the ten-day confinement the animal shall again be examined by
a veterinarian, and a written report of findings shall be submitted to the
Health Officer within 48 hours by the veterinarian or the owner. If such second
report reveals no symptoms of rabies the animal may then be released from
confinement.
A.
It shall be the duty of any person having knowledge that
an animal in Springfield Township has been bitten by or otherwise exposed
to an animal infected or suspected of being infected with rabies to immediately
report the facts, including (if known) the whereabouts of the animal bitten,
to the Health Officer. If such animal has not been vaccinated it shall be
placed immediately in a veterinary hospital or other approved location under
the supervision of a veterinarian for a minimum of six months, or be immediately
disposed of as directed by the Health Officer.
B.
If the animal which was bitten or otherwise exposed to
rabies had theretofore been vaccinated in accordance with the requirements
of this ordinance, disposition may be either:
(1)
Immediate revaccination of the bitten animal and confinement
for 30 days thereafter; or
(2)
Confinement in strict isolation in an approved kennel
or other approved location for six months under supervision of a veterinarian;
or
(3)
If either of the above is not fulfilled, such bitten
animal shall be disposed of as directed by the Health Officer.
It shall be the duty of any person having knowledge that an animal in
Springfield Township is infected or suspected of being infected with rabies
to immediately report the facts, including (if known) the whereabouts of such
animal. The Health Officer, after an investigation, may order the immediate
confinement of such animal in a veterinary hospital or other approved location,
and said animal shall not be released therefrom without the permission of
the Health Officer. Any animal found to be infected with rabies shall be disposed
of only as directed by the Health Officer.
A.
It shall be the duty of each owner of an animal in Springfield
Township, on or before the effective date of this ordinance, to have his animal
vaccinated against rabies or to establish, by a valid vaccination certificate,
that such animal has heretofore been duly vaccinated and that the period of
immunity from rabies afforded thereby has not expired. It shall be the duty
of each such owner to have his animal revaccinated at the interval of time
and with the specific vaccine licensed by the United States Department of
Agriculture for the particular type of animal.
B.
Unvaccinated animals acquired or moved into Springfield
Township shall be vaccinated within 30 days after arrival or, if under five
months of age, shall be vaccinated within 30 days after reaching that age.
A.
It shall be the duty of each veterinarian, at the time
of vaccinating any animal against rabies, to complete in duplicate a vaccination
certificate, the original for the owner and the duplicate to be retained by
the issuing veterinarian. Such certificate, over the signature of the veterinarian,
shall include the following information:
B.
In addition to said certificate, the veterinarian shall
furnish to the owner, or himself affix to the animal's collar or harness,
a metal or durable plastic tag stating the date of vaccination, tag number
and veterinarian's name. The tag shall be worn by the animal at all times.
All costs of examination, vaccination and/or impoundment shall be paid
by the owner.
The provisions of this ordinance are severable, and if any such or the
application thereof to any person, subject or property should be held to be
invalid, the remaining provisions or their application to other persons, subjects
or property shall not be affected thereby.
