§ 407-143. Veterinarian's Certificate Required.

All animals used to pull licensed animal-drawn carriages shall have medical examinations at three-month intervals by a licensed veterinarian at the expense of the public vehicle license holder. Written medical records, including records of treatment and immunizations required by the state of Ohio, shall be kept for each animal. These records shall be kept available for inspection at reasonable times upon request by the director or his designee. The medical examination shall encompass all matters which are consistent with usual and customary veterinary practice in the community for maintaining the health and well-being of animals used for the purpose of pulling animal-drawn carriages or other vehicles. Such examination shall include, but not be limited to, leg and hoof exams, dental exams, internal parasite lab report, cardiovascular exam, drug analysis at intervals sufficient to detect inhumane treatment of the animal at the discretion of the licensed veterinarian if drug abuse is suspected.

At the completion of the examination, if the veterinarian conducting the examination determines that the animal is fit for pulling a licensed animal-drawn carriage, a certificate of fitness shall be issued and filed with the director or his designee. Certificates of fitness shall be completed on forms provided by the director or his designee. This certification shall state any restrictions applicable to the animal covered by the certificate, including, but not limited to, hours of work, load limitations, temperature limitations under which the animal may work, and other matters which may affect the health and well-being of the animal.

No animal may be used to pull a licensed animal-drawn carriage for which a current certificate of fitness is not on file with the director or his designee.

The use of an animal for which a current certificate of fitness is not on file with the director or his designee to pull a licensed animal-drawn carriage shall be grounds for the revocation of all public vehicle licenses for animal-drawn vehicles held by the violator.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 316-1987, eff. Sept. 4, 1987)