(A) The policy regarding the confinement of a biting dog or cat varies as stated in divisions (A)(1) through (A)(3) below.
(1) A vaccinated dog or cat belonging to an owner shall be inspected by a Rabies Control Officer (the city’s Animal Control Officer is also the city’s Rabies Control Officer). It shall be confined either at the animal shelter, veterinary hospital or in an adequate place of confinement acceptable to the Rabies Control Officer. The dog or cat shall be confined for a ten-day period. The Rabies Control Officer shall inspect the dog or cat two or three times within the period, or more often if needed. If the dog is normal after the ten-day period, it may be released to the owner at the owner’s expense of not less than $5 per day.
(2) An unvaccinated dog or cat belonging to an owner shall immediately be placed in solitary confinement either at the animal shelter, veterinary hospital or in an adequate place of confinement acceptable to the Rabies Control Officer. The dog shall be confined for a ten-day period. The dog or cat shall not be vaccinated until after the tenth day of the confinement period. An animal suspected of having rabies may be seized and ordered confined for a ten-day period.
(3) A stray dog or cat that has bitten someone shall immediately be placed in solitary confinement at the animal shelter.
(a) The dog or cat shall be confined for a ten-day period for close observation.
(b) Every effort should be made to locate the owner of the dog or cat to see if the dog or cat has been properly immunized.
(c) Keep careful observation of the dog or cat.
1. If the animal appears to be normal after ten days, the animal shall be disposed of in a humane manner or released to the County Humane Society.
2. If in any dog or cat bite case, the dog or cat appears to be sick or in any way abnormal, a veterinarian shall make an examination of the animal. The expense of the examination and boarding shall be paid by the owner of the animal. In case a dog or cat which has bitten someone dies or has to be killed, the head shall be carried to the Virology Branch, Division of Health Services in Raleigh immediately for rabies diagnosis. All parties involved shall be notified of the results of the examination. If the animal head is carried to the State Laboratory, a standard history sheet is to be completed and sent with the head to Raleigh.
(B) A record of all reported dog and cat bites shall be kept by the Animal Control Officer.
(1997 Code, § 91.24) (Ord. passed 3-14-1989; Ord. 2006-24, passed 6-13-2006)