Resources & Documents

A person who knows of an animal bite that caused an abrasion, scratch, puncture, tear, or piercing of the skin shall report the incident to the local rabies control authority. Promptly report animal bites to your local Health Department and Animal Control / Police Department.

The owner of each domestic dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. A booster must be received within twelve months of initial vaccination, and every domestic dog or cat must be re-vaccinated at least once every three years with a USDA-licensed vaccine administered by a state-licensed veterinarian.

Employment by county commission of persons to enforce laws for prevention of cruelty to animals, compensation, oath and powers of same. The county commissions of this state may employ suitable persons charged specifically with enforcing laws for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Upon taking the oath, such officers are vested with all powers now vested by law in deputy sheriffs. (Acts 1911, No. 127, p. 112; Code 1923, 83217; Code 1940, T.3, 813.)

Any county or municipality may appoint one or more trained agents to inspect alleged violations, to protect dogs or cats from any cruelty charged, and to prevent cruelty. (Act 2000-615, p. 1252, §3.) Any locality employing an animal control officer or deputy may appoint them as agents to inspect alleged violations of the dog and cat cruelty law, once they have received AACA certification.

Upon taking custody of any animal, the officer shall immediately make a record that includes:

• Date the animal was taken into custody
• Date of the record itself
• Physical description — species, color, breed, sex, approximate age and weight, identifying marks
• Reason for taking custody
• Location where the animal was taken
• Owner name and address, if known
• Disposition of the animal

Records must be maintained by the employing locality for 7 years and made available for public inspection on request.