A. If a dog or cat is believed to have rabies or has been bitten by a dog or cat suspected of having rabies, such animal shall be placed under the observation of a veterinarian, at the expense of the owner(s) for a period of ten (10) days. The owner(s) shall notify the police department of the fact that their dog or cat has been exposed to rabies and, at its discretion, the police department is empowered to have such animal removed from the owner's premises to a veterinary hospital and placed under observation for a period of ten (10) days at the expense of the owner.
B. It shall be unlawful for any persons knowing or suspecting that a dog or cat has rabies to allow such dog or cat to be taken off their premises or beyond the limits of the city without the written permission of the police department. Every owner or other person, who suspects a dog or cat is rabid, shall immediately notify the police department who shall either remove the animal to the pound or destroy it.
C. Upon request of any person who has been bitten by a dog or cat within the city limits, or upon request of the guardian of said person, the police department shall impound said animal and shall deliver said animal to a veterinarian to be placed under observation of a veterinarian, at the expense of the owner of said animal, for a period of ten (10) days thereafter. Owners wishing to appeal the impounding of their animal may request the chief of police to review the impound or may seek redress in the courts. (Ord. 2005-1, 2-22-2005)