(A) Running at large. Any unlicensed animal running at large is hereby declared a public nuisance. Any police officer may impound any dog or other animal found unlicensed or any animal found running at large and shall give notice of the impounding to the owner of such dog or other animal, if known. In case the owner is unknown, the officer shall post notice at the Police Department that if the dog or other animal is not claimed within the time specified in § 93.80, it will be sold or otherwise disposed of. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful to kill, destroy, or otherwise cause injury to any animal, including dogs and cats running at large.
(B) Biting animals. Any animal that has not been inoculated by a live modified rabies vaccine and which has bitten any person wherein the skin has been punctured or the services of a doctor are required shall be confined in a pound designated by the city for a period of not less than ten days at the expense of the owner. The animal may be released at the end of such time if healthy and free from symptoms of rabies and by the payment of all costs by the owner. However, if the owner of the animal shall elect immediately upon receipt of notice of need for such confinement by the officer to voluntarily and immediately confine the animal for the required period of time in a veterinary hospital of the owner’s choosing not outside of Otter Tail County and provide immediate proof of such confinement in such manner as may be required, the owner may do so. If, however, the animal has been inoculated with a live modified rabies vaccine and the owner has proof of the vaccination by a certificate from a licensed veterinarian, the owner may confine the dog or other animal to the owner’s property.
(Ord. 211, passed 7-12-99)