(A) If any person is a victim of an animal bite, he or she shall immediately notify the County Health Department, Marshal’s Department or animal control agency of the incident, and provide a description of the animal and identification, if possible, of the owner. When an animal is determined to have bitten a person, the animal shall be confined in quarantine for a period of not less than 10 days.
(B) If the owner of an animal that has bitten a person presents proof of current rabies inoculations, the animal may be left in the charge of the owner, under quarantine, unless, in the judgment of the Animal Control Officer or law enforcement member, and based upon considerations of public safety, the Animal Control Officer determines it should be removed to an animal shelter or veterinary hospital for the period of observation.
(C) In addition to any other legal obligations prescribed by law, the owner shall pay for all costs incurred in the quarantine and/or impoundment of the animal before the animal will be released. If the owner is unable or unwilling to pay for the costs, the animal may be humanely euthanized, and the owner shall still remain liable to the animal shelter for any costs incurred in the quarantine and/or impoundment.
(D) If the owner of the quarantined animal cannot be determined, or if the owner does not furnish proof of current rabies inoculation, the animal shall be impounded under the authority of the town animal control agency and confined in the town’s animal control facility for a period of observation of not fewer than 10 days.
(E) Animal Control Officers shall be empowered to enter onto private property for the purpose of impounding animals which are known to have bitten a person and shall obtain legal process to do so if necessary.
(F) Unless otherwise provided, the town and any of its agents shall comply with the standards set forth in state law.
(Ord. 1154, passed 9-12-2006) Penalty, see § 94.99