What must a dog have to be legally considered property according to Chapter 351 in the Iowa Code?

A dog is legally considered property under Chapter 351 of the Iowa Code when it has a collar with a rabies tag. The rabies tag serves as a vital identifier showing that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, which is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. The presence of this tag not only indicates that the dog is vaccinated, thereby reducing public health risks associated with rabies, but it also provides a crucial means of identification for ownership. This helps authorities and animal control workers ascertain that the dog is a registered pet and provides documentation of its health status.

While a microchip, license registration, or vaccination records can be useful for identification and proof of ownership, the collar with a rabies tag specifically aligns with Iowa's legal framework that directly addresses the status of dogs as property, emphasizing both public safety and responsible pet ownership.