A. Vaccination Of Dogs And Cats Required:
1. All dogs and cats over the age of six (6) months, kept, harbored, maintained or transported within the City shall have current vaccinations given by a licensed veterinarian for rabies.
2. A copy of certificate of vaccination shall be provided to the animal control authority or designee upon request.
B. Impoundment And Confinement Of Rabies Suspects:
1. Any dog or cat not vaccinated in accordance with subsection A of this section which has bitten any person and caused an abrasion or puncture of the skin of such person shall be seized and impounded under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or at the City contract kennel facility for a period of not less than ten (10) days. If, after a complete examination by a veterinarian, the dog or cat has no clinical sign of rabies, it may be released to the owner upon the condition that the owner have the animal vaccinated as required by subsection A of this section and licensed as required by subsection 6-2-3A of this chapter. In the case of a stray, the animal shall be disposed of in accordance with the applicable laws. It shall be unlawful for any owner or person having custody or control of any dog or cat not vaccinated in accordance with subsection A of this section and which has bitten any person to refuse to release such dog or cat and make it immediately available to the animal control authority for the purpose of quarantine.
2. Any dog or cat vaccinated in accordance with subsection A of this section which has bitten any person shall be confined by the owner or other responsible person in such manner as the animal control authority may direct and for a period of not less than ten (10) days. The animal control authority or authorized representative shall conduct a midterm and terminal examination of the animal. If no signs of rabies are observed by the animal control authority, the dog or cat may be released from confinement. It shall be unlawful for any owner or person in custody or control of any vaccinated dog or cat which has bitten any person to refuse or fail to quarantine such dog or cat as required by this subsection B2. The animal control authority, or his/her agent, shall seize any dog or cat not quarantined in accordance with this subsection B2.
3. Any other animal which has bitten any person and caused an abrasion or puncture of the skin of such person shall be seized and impounded under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or at the City contract kennel facility for a period of not less than ten (10) days. If, after a complete examination by a veterinarian, the animal has no clinical signs of rabies, the animal may, with the approval of the animal control authority, be released to the owner. In the case of an unclaimed animal, it shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable laws. It shall be unlawful for any owner or person in custody or control of any animal which has bitten any person to refuse to release such animal and make it immediately available to the animal control authority for the purpose of quarantine.
4. Any rabies suspect impounded or confined under this subsection which is found to be sick or diseased shall be reported immediately in writing to the animal control authority by the attending veterinarian or operator of the quarantine facility. The animal control authority shall then take possession of such animal for the purpose of determining if it is suffering from rabies. (Ord. 2007-04, 4-2-2007; amd. Ord. 2021-11, 8-2-2021)