A. Animals That Have Bitten Persons: The identity and address of the owner of any animal that bites a person shall be promptly furnished to the animal control officer, the city health officer, and the county health department. The animal control officer shall securely quarantine such animal for a period of fourteen (14) days and shall not release such quarantined animal until reasonable determination has been made that animal is not infected with rabies. At the discretion of the animal control officer, such quarantine may be on the premises of the owner, at a veterinary hospital of the owner's choice at the owner's expense, or at the city animal shelter. In case of animals whose ownership is unknown, such quarantine shall be at the pound. The animal may be reclaimed by the owner if adjudged free of rabies, and such owner shall then pay any related charges for confinement. (1990 Code § 4-150; amd. 2006 Code)
B. Threat Of Rabies Epidemic:
1. When the health officer or chief of police determines and certifies that a dog, a cat, or other animal in the city or within five (5) miles of the city is or was infected with rabies and that an epidemic of rabies threatens the city, the city council, by resolution, may order all dogs to be confined, and if deemed desirable, all cats to be confined, during a period of time to be determined by the council. Such resolution or an adequate notice of its passage shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the city and shall go into effect on the day following such publication unless the resolution prescribes a later time.
2. While such resolution is in effect, it is unlawful for any owner to permit a dog or cat to be at large in violation of such resolution, or for any dog or cat to be at large in violation thereof. (1990 Code § 4-114)