(A) When it has been charged that a dog or cat is rabid, or has been bitten by a rabid dog or cat, the judge of the appropriate court shall hear proof in order to determine whether or not there is reason to believe that the dog or cat so charged or so bitten is actually rabid, and the Judge may, in his or her discretion, have the dog or cat impounded for observation or order such dog or cat killed. However, the owner or keeper of the dog or cat may make a request in writing that the dog or cat be held by some reliable veterinarian for the proper period of observation, in which event the owner shall agree in writing to pay all charges for holding and observing the dog or cat, the court costs, and all other fees incidental thereto.
(B) The court will thereupon deliver the dog or cat to a veterinarian, and the veterinarian will, at the termination of the observation period, make his or her professional report to the court, whereupon the judge shall return his or her findings. Any dog or cat adjudged rabid shall be destroyed immediately by the Chief of Police, or at his or her direction.
(1992 Code, § 91.31) (Ord. 445, passed 7-11-1974)