(A) Any law enforcement officer or Animal Control Officer may enter upon the private property of any person while in pursuit of any dog or cat under probable cause to believe that the dog or cat has bitten a person or animal, or that the dog or cat is rabid.
(B) Division (A) notwithstanding, whenever any person who owns, possesses, or harbors any dog or cat within the city learns that the dog or cat has bitten any human being, the person shall immediately quarantine the dog or cat for a period of at least 10 days, keeping it apart from other animals until it is determined whether the dog or cat has rabies. The quarantine may be by the person owning the dog or cat, if the dog or cat has a current rabies vaccination at the time the bite occurred. If the dog or cat does not have a current rabies vaccination at the time the bite occurred, the dog or cat must be impounded at a licensed pound or with a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense. After the required 10-day quarantine, the dog or cat shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian to ensure that there are no clinical signs of rabies. If the dog or cat is found to be rabid, it shall be humanely euthanized.
(C) If the dog or cat owner cannot be located or advised of the dog or cat bite within 2 hours of the occurrence, or if the owner fails to quarantine the dog or cat as required by this subchapter, the Animal Control Officer shall cause the dog or cat to be impounded and so quarantined. After the required 10-day quarantine, if the dog or cat is still unclaimed, the dog or cat shall be humanely euthanized and tested for rabies; if claimed, the dog or cat shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian to ensure there are no clinical signs of rabies. If no signs of rabies are observed, the dog or cat can be released to the owner as specified in § 90.09(B). If the dog or cat is found to be rabid, it shall be humanely euthanized.
(D) The Animal Warden, Animal Control officer, or other designate of the city shall have the authority to verify if the dog or cat is properly quarantined. Any veterinarian quarantining an animal shall notify the Animal Warden before the release of the animal.
(E) Any dog or cat known to have been bitten by a rabid dog or cat or exposed to rabies shall be impounded. If, however, the dog or cat is at large and cannot be apprehended after reasonable effort, the dog or cat may be immediately destroyed. After impoundment, if proof of rabies immunization is furnished and booster injections are given by a licensed veterinarian at the expense of the owner, the dog or cat may be released to the owner as specified in § 90.09(B). If it cannot be proven that the animal has a current rabies immunization, the owner may, at his or her discretion, make provision for a suitable quarantine for a period of not less than 6 months.
(Prior Code, § 1401.090) (Ord. 7470, passed 10-15-1996; Am. Ord. 7543, passed 3-17-2015) Penalty, see § 90.99