What must a dog have in order to be legally considered property?

In order for a dog to be legally considered property, having a collar with a rabies tag is significant because it serves as a form of identification that shows the dog is owned and has been vaccinated according to local regulations. In many jurisdictions, the rabies vaccination is mandated by law, and a tag serves as proof of compliance. This requirement implies that the owner has taken responsibility for the animal's health and safety, and it facilitates return to the owner if the dog is lost or found.

While other options such as a leash, microchip, and registration papers are related to ownership and identification, they do not necessarily meet the specific legal requirement tied to rabies vaccination. A leash is primarily for control and safety during walks, a microchip is highly effective for permanent identification but may not be readily visible, and registration papers, while they can denote ownership, are not always required for a dog to be recognized as property. The rabies tag demonstrates clear ownership and compliance with health regulations, making it a critical component in the legal context.