(A) Running at large. Any animal running at large is hereby declared a public nuisance. The Enforcement Officer may impound any dog or other animal found running at large and shall give notice of the impounding within 24 hours to the owner of such dog or other animal, if known. Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful to kill, destroy, or otherwise cause injury to any animal, including dogs and cats running at large, with the exception of animals being hunted during a lawful hunting season.
(B) Biting animals.
(1) Person bitten by animal. Any animal that has not been inoculated by a current rabies vaccine administered by a licensed veterinarian and which has bitten any person, wherein the skin has been punctured or the services of a doctor are required, may be confined in an appropriate location for a period of not less than ten days, at the expense of the owner. The animal may be released at the end of such time if healthy and free from symptoms of rabies, and by the payment of all costs by the owner. However, if the owner of the animal shall elect immediately upon receipt of notice of need for such confinement by the Officer to voluntarily and immediately confine the animal for the required period of time in a veterinary hospital of the owner's choosing, not outside of the county in which this city is located, and provide immediate proof of such confinement in such manner as may be required, the owner may do so. If, however, the owner has proof of the vaccination by a certificate from a licensed veterinarian, the owner may confine the dog or other animal to the owner's property.
(2) Animal bitten by rabid animal.
(a) Unvaccinated animals. In the case of animals which have not been vaccinated in accordance with this section which have been bitten by a known rabid animal, said animal shall be euthanized upon the written consent of the owner. If the owner is unwilling to have the bitten animal euthanized, strict isolation of the animal in a kennel under veterinarian supervision shall be required. The owner of the animal shall bear the expense of same.
(b) Vaccinated animals. If the bitten animal is vaccinated in accordance with the provisions of this section, the animal shall be held as follows:
1. The animal shall immediately be revaccinated and confined at the owner's home for a period of 30 days following revaccination; or
2. If the animal is not immediately revaccinated, the animal shall be confined in strict isolation in a kennel for six months under the supervision of a veterinarian.
3. Euthanasia. In either situation noted in this subdivision, if the veterinarian determines that the bitten animal is rabid, said animal shall be euthanized.
(C) Reclaiming. All animals conveyed to the impoundment location shall be kept, with humane treatment and sufficient food and water for their comfort, at least seven days after the animal is taken into custody, unless reclaimed sooner by their owners or keepers as provided by this section. In case the owner or keeper shall desire to reclaim the animal from the pound, the following shall be required:
(1) If a dog is unlicensed, payment of a regular license fee and valid certificate of vaccination for rabies is required.
(2) Payment of all fees accumulated including, but not limited to, expenses incurred by the animal shelter, including impound fees, boarding of dog/cat, any necessary veterinary treatment, and rabies vaccination if said dog/cat is not current.
(D) Unclaimed animals. At the expiration of the times established in division (C), if the animal has not been reclaimed in accordance with the provisions of this section, the Officer appointed to enforce this section may let any person claim the animal by complying with all provisions in this section, or cause the animal to be destroyed in accordance with the provisions of this section.