A. When the administrator or animal control warden receives information that any person has been bitten by a dog or other animal, the administrator, animal control warden, or an authorized representative, shall have such dog or cat 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 or other animal immediately, with confirmation in writing, to the administrator within twenty four (24) hours after the dog is presented for examination, giving the owner's name, address, the date of confinement, the breed, description, age, and sex of such dog or cat, on appropriate forms. When evidence is presented that such dog 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 as long as the administrator, or other licensed veterinarian adjudges such confinement satisfactory. At the end of the confinement period, the administrator or another licensed veterinarian shall examine such dog or other animal.
B. It is unlawful for any person having knowledge that any person has been bitten by a dog or other animal to refuse to notify the administrator or animal control warden immediately. It is unlawful for the owner of such dog or cat to euthanize, sell, give away or otherwise dispose of any such dog known to have bitten another person until the administrator releases it. If such instructions cannot be delivered in person, they shall be mailed to the owner of such dog or other animal by regular mail, postage prepaid. The affidavit or testimony of the administrator, or his authorized representative, delivering or mailing such instructions is prima facie evidence that the owner of such dog or other animal was notified of his responsibilities. Any expense incurred in the handling of any dog or other animal under this section shall be borne by the owner. (Ord. 2000-06-02, 6-5-2000)