A. Inoculation Required: Every owner of a dog or cat four (4) months or more of age within the corporate limits of the Village shall cause such dog or cat to be inoculated against rabies every three (3) years by a licensed veterinarian. Evidence of such rabies inoculation shall be entered on a certificate, the form of which shall be approved by the Henry County Board and which shall be signed by the licensed veterinarian administering the vaccine. In addition, the owner of any such inoculated dog or cat shall cause a rabies inoculation tag to be affixed to the collar or harness of such dog or cat.
B. Confinement Of Rabies Suspects; Reports:
1. Animals Exhibiting Rabies Symptoms; Biting Animals:
a. The owner of any dog, cat or other animal which exhibits clinical signs of rabies, whether or not such dog, cat or other animal has been inoculated against rabies, shall immediately notify the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall cause any dog, cat or other animal exhibiting clinical signs of rabies to be confined, under suitable observation, for a period of at least ten (10) days, unless officially authorized by the County Administrator, in writing, to release it sooner. Any dog, cat or other animal in direct contact with such dog, cat or other animal, whether or not the exposed dog, cat or other animal has been inoculated against rabies, shall be confined as recommended by the County Administrator.
b. Whenever the Chief of Police receives information that any person has been bitten by a dog, cat or other animal, the Chief of Police shall cause such dog, cat or other animal to be confined under the observation of a licensed veterinarian for a period of ten (10) days. Such veterinarian shall report the clinical condition of the dog, cat or other animal immediately, with the confirmation in writing, to the Chief of Police and the County Administrator within twenty four (24) hours after the dog, cat or other animal is presented for examination, giving the owner's name, address, the date of confinement, the breed, description, age and sex of such dog, cat or other animal. The ten (10) day observation period shall not be applicable to wildlife not owned by any person.
c. At the end of the confinement period, the veterinarian shall submit a written report to the Chief of Police and County Administrator advising them of the final disposition of such dog, cat or other animal.
2. Confinement Of Inoculated Animals: When evidence is presented that such dog, cat or other animal was inoculated against rabies within the time prescribed by law, it may be confined in the house of its owner or in a manner which will prohibit it from biting any person for a period of ten (10) days if the County Administrator or other licensed veterinarian adjudges such confinement satisfactory.
At the end of any confinement period, such dog, cat or other animal shall be examined by the County Administrator or another licensed veterinarian.
C. Animal Bites; Duties And Prohibitions:
1. It is unlawful for any person having knowledge that any person has been bitten by a dog, cat or other animal to refuse to notify the Chief of Police or the County Administrator promptly.
2. It is unlawful for the owner of such dog, cat or other animal to euthanize, sell, give away or otherwise dispose of any such dog, cat or other animal known to have bitten a person, until it is released by the County Administrator or his authorized representative. It is unlawful for the owner of such dog, cat or other animal to refuse or fail to comply with the written or printed instructions made by the County Administrator or the Chief of Police. If such instructions cannot be delivered in person, they shall be mailed to the owner of such dog, cat or other animal by regular mail, postage prepaid. The affidavit or testimony of the Chief of Police, the County Administrator or their authorized representatives of the delivery or mailing of such instructions is prima facie evidence that the owner of such dog, cat or other animal was notified of his responsibilities.
D. Rabies Control Costs: Any expense incurred in the handling of any dog, cat or other animal under the provisions of this Section shall be borne by the owner. (1998 Code)