(a) Requirement for confinement. The Health Officer or the authorized representative of the Health Officer assigned to the Agency shall confine an animal that has bitten a human being for clinical observation for a period of 10 consecutive days from the date of the bite.
(b) Where confinement occurs. At the discretion of the Health Officer or the authorized representative of the Health Officer, the confinement may occur:
(1) at an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or humane shelter at the animal owner's option and expense; or
(2) on the premises of the animal owner if the owner signs an agreement that the animal will be quarantined as specified in the animal bite report, the animal will not leave the structure in which it is confined unless on a leash and under the immediate control of an adult, and the animal will not be in contact with other animals.
(c) Fenced yard. The animal may be secured in the owner's fenced yard if the fence has locking gates that are kept locked and the animal is chained inside the fence at least 15 feet from the nearest fence line.
(d) Prohibition. A person may not allow an animal confined under this section to escape or be sold or given away and may not euthanize the animal before the expiration of the 10-day confinement and observation period.
(1985 Code, Art. 12, § 6-105) (Bill No. 29-91; Bill No. 41-01)