(A) When the Administrator, or his or her authorized representative, receives information that any person has been bitten by a dog or other animal the Administrator, or his or her authorized representative, shall have such dog or other animal confined under the observation of a licensed veterinarian for a period of ten days.
(B) The dog or other animal shall be examined at least once by a licensed veterinarian at the end of the quarantine/confinement period. The Administrator may, by regulation, permit such confinement to be reduced to a period of less than ten days. Such veterinarian shall report the clinical condition of the dog or other animal immediately, with confirmation in writing to the Administrator, within 24 hours after the dog or other animal is presented for examination giving the owner’s name, address, the date of confinement, the breed, description, age and the sex of such dog or other animal on appropriate forms approved by the Administrator and the Department.
(C) The Administrator, or his or her authorized representative, shall notify the attending physician or responsible health agency. At the end of the confinement period, the veterinarian shall submit a written report to the Administrator advising him or her of the final disposition of such dog or other animal on appropriate forms approved by the Administrator and the Department.
(D) When evidence is presented that such dog or other animal was inoculated against rabies within the time prescribed by law, or non-inoculated dogs and other animals deemed appropriate by the Administrator or his or her authorized agent, may be confined in the house of the owner, or in a manner which will prohibit it from biting any person for a period of ten days, if the Administrator or other licensed veterinarian adjudges such confinement satisfactory.
(E) The Administrator may, by regulation, permit such confinement to be reduced to a period of less than ten days.
(F) (1) 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 his or her representative, promptly.
(2) It is unlawful for the owner of such dog or other animal to euthanize, sell, give away or otherwise dispose of any such dog or other animal known to have bitten a person, until it is released by the Administrator or his or her authorized representative.
(3) It is unlawful for the owner of such dog or other animal to refuse or fail to comply with the written or printed instructions made by the Administrator or his or her authorized representative. 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.
(4) The affidavit or testimony of the Administrator, or his or her authorized representative, delivering or mailing such instructions is prima facie evidence that the owner of such dog or other animal was notified of his or her responsibilities.
(5) Any expense incurred in the handling of any dog or other animal under this section shall be borne by the owner.
(G) For the purpose of this section, the word “immediately” means by telephone, in person or by other than use of the mail.
(Ord. 2001-01, passed 6-19-2001) Penalty, see § 91.99