(A) This section applies only for domestic animals that can be legally vaccinated for rabies and have been exposed, by physical contact, with a rabid animal, or suspected rabid animal.
(B) The owner of such an animal shall notify the local rabies authority or designated agent within 24 hours of an incident, who shall investigate and, if such investigation warrants, follow the requirements set forth herein.
(C) If the exposed animal was currently vaccinated (more than 30 days prior to bite and within the past 12 months) against rabies at the time of exposure, it must be:
(1) Humanely destroyed; or
(2) Vaccinated against rabies immediately and placed in strict isolation for 45 days. STRICT ISOLATION shall be defined as a secure, locked enclosure that would prevent the animal from escaping, prevent access to the animal by the public, and care of animal restricted to one individual.
(3) The owner or harborer of such animal shall be responsible for all costs associated with this section.
(D) If the exposed animal was not vaccinated against rabies at the time of the exposure it must be:
(1) Humanely destroyed; or
(2) Vaccinated against rabies:
(a) Immediately after exposure;
(b) Given a second vaccination three weeks after exposure; and
(c) Given a third vaccination eight weeks after exposure; and
(3) Placed in strict isolation for 90 days from date of exposure. STRICT ISOLATION shall be defined as a secure, locked enclosure that would prevent the animal from escaping, prevent access to the animal by the public, and care of animal restricted to one individual.
(4) The owner or harborer of such animal shall be responsible for all costs associated with this section.
(E) Any veterinarian who clinically diagnoses rabies or any person who suspects rabies in an animal shall immediately notify the local rabies control authority or designated agent for investigation.
(Ord. 2002-1, passed 2-19-02; Am. Ord. 2017-1, passed 1-17-17; Am. Ord. 2017-21, passed 12-19-17; Am. Ord. 2024-5, passed 2-20-24)