(A) Dogs or cats that have been bitten or otherwise have been exposed to a rabid or potentially rabid animal who have been vaccinated against rabies at least 28 days prior to the bite or exposure and have appropriate documentation, shall receive immediate veterinary care with a rabies booster dose within 96 hours of the exposure and placed under owner observation for 45 days. Owners or keepers shall allow animal control officers to enter during reasonable hours to inspect the animal.
(B) Dogs and cats that have been bitten or otherwise have been exposed to a rabid or potentially rabid animal who are overdue for a rabies vaccination but have appropriate documentation of prior rabies vaccination shall receive immediate veterinary care with a rabies booster dose within 96 hours of exposure and placed under owner observation for 45 days.
(C) Dogs and cats that have been bitten or otherwise have been exposed to a rabid or potentially rabid animal that are overdue for a rabies vaccination with no documentation of a prior rabies vaccination shall be euthanized or receive immediate veterinary care with a rabies vaccination given within 96 hours of the exposure and immediately impounded and confined at a veterinary facility for a period of four months. Dogs and cats may also undergo prospective serologic monitoring after receiving immediate veterinary care and a rabies vaccination. If there is evidence of prior vaccination the animal will be placed under owner observation for 45 days allowing animal control officers to enter during reasonable hours to inspect the animal. If no evidence of prior vaccination the animal will be treated as unvaccinated and will be euthanized or confined to a veterinary facility for a period of four months.
(D) If the rabies booster is delayed, the local Health Director may consider increasing the observation period (case-by-case) or quarantine period (from four to six months), considering the severity of the exposure, length in delay in vaccination, current health status, and number of prior rabies vaccines and lapses.
(Ord. 2001-6-1, passed 6-4-01; Am. Ord., passed 7-6-21) Penalty, see § 93.99