(A) Animals quarantined at a certified facility shall be observed by a licensed veterinarian or Animal Control Officer, at least on the first day and last days of the quarantine period. If it is determined that the animal has clinical signs of the disease of rabies, the animal shall be humanely euthanized and the head or brain submitted for testing. If the Animal Control Officer, or veterinarian determines that the animal does not exhibit the clinical signs of the disease of rabies, the Animal Control Officer shall provide a form to the veterinarian for his or her signature, certifying that the animal has been found to be free of the clinical signs of rabies at the end of the quarantine period. This form shall be returned to the Animal Control Officer at the end of the quarantine period.
(B) The owner of the animal may request permission from the Animal Control Supervisor for home quarantine if the following criteria can be met:
(1) Secure facilities must be available at the home of the animal's owner, and must be approved by the Animal Control Supervisor;
(2) The animal is currently vaccinated against rabies and possesses a current City of Pleasanton license tag;
(3) The animal is not in violation of any laws or ordinance at the time of the incident;
(4) A licensed veterinarian or Animal Control Officer must observe the animal at least on the first and last days of the quarantine period. If the animal becomes ill during the home quarantine period, the veterinarian and the Animal Control Officer must be notified by the person having possession of the animal. At the end of the quarantine period the owner shall transport the animal by direct route to the veterinarian for final observation. Both observations by the veterinarian or Animal Control Office may be made at the location of the home quarantine if requested by the owner or required by the Animal Control Officer. The release from quarantine must be accomplished in writing;
(5) The owner shall be responsible for paying all rabies observation fees to the veterinarian; and
(6) It shall be unlawful to violate the provisions and conditions of the home quarantine as required by the Animal Control Officer. If the owner of the animal fails to abide by all provisions and conditions required by the Animal Control Officer when the quarantine was granted and the animal is found in violation of these conditions, the animal shall be immediately impounded and quarantined for the remainder of the observation period at an approved quarantined facility at the owner's expense.
(C) No dog or cat shall be released from quarantine unless:
(1) The owner has an unexpired rabies vaccination certificate and license for the animal; or
(2) The animal is vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense and a license is obtained at the owner's expense.
(D) No wild animal will be placed in quarantine. All wild animals involved in biting/scratching incidents will be humanely euthanized in such a manner that the brain is not mutilated. The brain shall be submitted to a Texas Department of Health certified laboratory for rabies diagnosis.
(Ord. 1221, passed 1-3-2002) Penalty, see § 92.99