KGUN9 On Your Side, Tucson News, Weather & SportsCochise County's new animal control law: no license required

Cochise County's new animal control law: no license required

Web producer: Sheryl Kornman

DOUGLAS, Ariz. (KGUN(-TV) - Cochise County's new animal control law took effect last month and no longer requires dog owners living outside city limits to have a license for the pet, according to a media release from the Cochise County Sheriff.

Instead, a dog owner must provide a current rabies vaccination tag provided by a vet or some other durable ID: "a microchip identification, a durable metal or plastic rabies tag issued pursuant to Section 14, or a durable metal or plastic tag inscribed with the name and contact information of the owner."

"The ID requirement does not apply when the dog is on its owner's property or participating in performance events, shows or in a hunt under the control of the owner or another person."

The county ordinance does not apply to pets and pet owners living within city limits. Any city licensing requirements for dogs still apply.

The new ordinance recognizes working and assistive dogs, the need for dogs to be off a leash during shows and performance events, and also recognizes the Colony Care Giver programs which help control the feral cat populations.

The update aligns the ordinance with current practices, eliminates duplicative language, and provides a more comprehensive definitions section, according to the media release.