(A) It shall be the duty of the City Council, whenever in its opinion the danger to the public safety from rabid dogs or cats is great or imminent, to issue a proclamation ordering all persons owning, keeping, or harboring any dog or cat to muzzle the same, or to confine it for a period of not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days from the date of such proclamation, or until such danger is passed. The dogs or cats may be harbored by any good and sufficient means in a house, garage, or yard on the premises wherein the said owner may reside. Upon issuing the proclamation it shall be the duty of all persons owning, keeping, or harboring any dog or cat to confine the same as herein provided.
(B) Any dog or cat suspected of being afflicted with rabies, or any dog or cat not vaccinated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter which has bitten any person and caused an abrasion of the skin, shall be seized and impounded under the supervision of the Board of Health for a period of not less than ten days. If upon examination by a veterinarian, the dog or cat has no clinical signs of rabies at the end of such impoundment, it may be released to the owner, or, in the case of an unlicensed dog or cat, it shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions herein. If the owner of the said dog or cat has proof of vaccination, it shall be confined by the owner or some other responsible person for a period of at least ten days, at which time the dog or cat shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense. If no signs of rabies are observed, the dog or cat may be released from confinement.
(Ord. 2003-O-020, passed 8-11-03)