RUTHERFORD COUNTY

ANIMAL SERVICES BOARD

REGULATIONS RELATING TO ANIMAL CONTROL

PRIVATE CHAPTER # 55

SENATE BILL #1161

PRIVATE ACT OF 1983

ENACTED APRIL 11, 1983

APPROVED BY RUTHERFORD CO. COMMISSION APRIL 7, 1983

PART A: RESPONSIBILITIES OF PET OWNERS

1. All dogs and cats over the age of three months must be vaccinated for rabies.
(Section #1)

2.         All vaccinated dogs and cats must have the numbered tag given to the owner at the time of vaccination attached to a collar and worn at all times. (Section #4)

3.        The certificate of vaccination must be kept by the owner and be available for inspection by Animal Services Officers when requested. (Section #1)

4.        Hunting dogs while in chase or returning from chase may have their collars with vaccination tag removed, but they must be vaccinated and registered. (Section #4)

5.        It is against the law to permit any dog or cat to run at large except as mentioned in #4 above. (Section #5, A, 3)

6.        Female dogs must be kept confined from the first symptoms of heat for twenty-four (24) days. (Section #6)

7.        All vicious or biting dogs must be either securely tied by a strong collar and chain, fenced or housed securely and a “Bad Dog” sign on the front entrance to the premises must be clearly visible and easily read from a distance sufficient to protect anyone from attack. (Section #9)

PART B: DUTIES OF THE ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

1.    Any dog or cat found running at large, off the registered owner’s property, or the
       dog or cat custodian’s property, may be picked up and held at the County shelter.
       (Section #7A)

2.   Animal Services Officers are not allowed to pick up an animal on private property
      without the permission of that property. 

3.    If the animal is not redeemed within five (5) working days and the owner is known,
       the animal will be made available for adoption or destroyed depending upon
       available kennel space. (Section #7D)

4.    Reasonable attempts will be made to contact the owner throughout this five day
       period.

5.    Animals picked up with no identification and with no means of determining ownership
       will be placed for adoption after three (3) working days or destroyed, depending upon
       available kennel space. (Section #7G)

6.    If any dog or cat has bitten any person or is suspected of being infected with rabies,
       that animal must be confined and observed either at the shelter or at a veterinary
       hospital for a time to be determined by the Health Department. (10 days)

7.    It is against the law to hide, conceal, aid or assist in the hiding of any animal in
       violation of provisions of the Private Act. (Section #12)