(A) Any person that is a victim of an animal bite shall immediately notify the County Health Department or a law enforcement officer of the incident, provide a description of the animal and identify the owner, if possible. The county’s animal control agency should also be notified. When an animal is determined to have bitten a person, the animal shall be confined in quarantine for a period of not less than ten days from the date of the bite or as otherwise required by applicable law.
(B) A biting animal may be left in the charge of the owner, under quarantine, unless in the judgment of a law enforcement officer or animal control agent and based upon considerations of public safety, it is determined the animal should be removed to an animal control facility or veterinary hospital for the period of observation.
(C) In addition to any other legal obligations prescribed by law, the owner shall pay for all costs incurred in the quarantine and/or impoundment of the animal before the animal will be released. If the owner is unable or unwilling to pay for the costs, the animal may be humanely euthanized, and the owner shall still remain liable for any costs incurred in quarantine and/or impoundment.
(D) If the owner of the quarantined animal cannot be determined, the animal shall be impounded under the authority and in the discretion of the law enforcement officer or animal control agent and confined in an approved animal control facility for the period of observation.
(Ord. 09-396, passed 12-7-2009)