[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Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Article II, Rabies, adopted 3-10-1960, as amended.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:
ANIMAL
A dog, cat or other mammal susceptible to rabies.
EXPIRATION DATE
The date designated or indicated in the vaccination certificate as marking the end of the period of immunity from rabies afforded by the vaccination.
OWNER
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.
RABIES
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.
VACCINATION
The practice of innoculating with a vaccine to afford protection against rabies.
VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
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.
VACCINATION TAG
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.
VETERINARIAN
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.
C. 
Animals temporarily brought into this township and remaining here less than 30 days, if properly confined, need not be vaccinated unless required by any of the foregoing regulations in § 36-14 or by the health laws of Pennsylvania.
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:
(1) 
Owner's name and address.
(2) 
Description of animal (breed, sex, markings, age and name).
(3) 
Date of vaccination.
(4) 
Rabies vaccination tag number.
(5) 
Type of vaccine administered and years of effective protection.
(6) 
Manufacturer's serial number of vaccine.
(7) 
Due date for booster.
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.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 36-19, Violations and penalties, was superseded 7-12-1988 by Ord. No. 1185. See now Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art II, General Penalty, for current penalty provisions.
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.