County amends pet rules

Without discussion, four of five Madera County supervisors approved amendments Tuesday to rules on licensing and vaccinating animals, including a new option to license cats in a similar fashion as dogs.

Rural owners of dogs will now have until a puppy reaches four months of age before they have to license it. Also, licenses may not be renewed beyond the time when a rabies vaccination certificate would expire. Unlike with dogs, owners will not have to license cats. Dog or cat license tags may not be worn by animals they were not issued for.

Wild animals may only be raised if a person obtains a “permit,” previously called a “license.” Those with a kennel license, required for those commercially raising four or more dogs, must still license dogs individually.

The changes to Madera County Code “synchronize the ordinances with California state laws,” according to the Animal Services Department, and will go into effect in 30 days...