Cactus Village Community

City Code Excerpts (Dogs) By CAO Karen Freund

Jul 17, 2003

I thought I?’d cover dog licensing and dog bites this month. Again, this does not cover everything but gives you the general idea!

?• Each dog over four months of age shall be licensed.
?• The license shall be attached to a collar or harness, which shall be worn by the dog at all times while running at large.
?• Whenever the ownership of a dog has been changed, the new owner must secure a transfer of license.
?• Each dog shall be confined within an enclosure on the owner?’s property, or secured so that the dog is confined entirely on the owner?’s property, or on a leash not to exceed six feet in length and directly under the owner?’s control when not on the owner?’s property.
?• An enforcement agent shall have the right to enter upon private property when necessary to apprehend any dog that has been running at large (this does not include the domicile).
?• An unlicensed or unvaccinated dog or any cat that bites any person (where the bite breaks the skin) shall be confined and quarantined in a county pound or, upon request and at the expense of the owner, at a veterinary hospital for a period of not less than seven days. A dog properly licensed and vaccinated may be confined and quarantined at the home of the owner.

Please keep in mind you may be issued a ticket and fined if your dog is not properly licensed, vaccinated and confined. Cats do not require vaccinations or licenses, however, keeping their vaccinations up to date and kitty in the house may prolong its life. If you have any questions regarding dog licensing, vaccinations, bites or proper confinement, please contact Maricopa County Rabies/Animal Control at 602-506-7387, your veterinarian or local pet shelter. . . ☺