(A) The owner of an animal that has caused a bite upon a person or other animal, or is suspected of having rabies or other diseases communicable to humans, shall immediately place the animal in quarantine for ten days as provided in this section.
(B) If the owner of the animal cannot provide proof of current rabies vaccination, or the animal has previously been bitten, the animal shall be quarantined at a city-approved animal welfare organization for ten days from the date of the bite. All costs of such quarantine shall be paid by the owner.
(C) If an animal has previously bitten in violation of this chapter, the animal shall be deemed dangerous under § 91.24.
(D) If the owner can provide proof of current rabies vaccination and city license, the owner may quarantine the animal at the premises of the owner for ten days from the date of the bite. The owner of the animal shall sign that the animal will be quarantined in the manner directed; the animal shall be confined to one room or kennel inside the owner's residence and shall not be exposed to any other animals or persons except the one adult person 18 years or older, who will be caring for the animal during the quarantine period. The animal shall not be allowed outside unless it is on a leash no longer than four feet in length and the animal is in the control of the person 18 years or older. The animal is allowed outside long enough to eliminate, then should go immediately back to quarantine. If the animal is found to be outside the quarantine area, it shall be impounded for the remainder of the ten days at the city-approved animal welfare organization. All costs incurred shall be paid by the owner.
(E) In the event the rabies suspect animal is a stray and dangerous for the city-approved animal welfare organization to handle, the animal may be euthanized and a specimen be sent to a qualified facility for rabies testing.
(F) In the event the rabies suspect becomes ill and dies or is euthanized before the ten-day quarantine has expired, a specimen shall be sent to a qualified facility for testing. Costs incurred for the testing shall be paid by the owner, if the owner is known.
(G) No vaccination for rabies shall be given to an animal during quarantine.
(Ord. 2485, passed 11-27-2012; Ord. 2657, passed 10-13-2020) Penalty, see § 10.99