(A) If any person or animal is the victim of an animal bite, the victim or a witness shall immediately notify the County Health Department or its designee of the incident, and provide a description of the animal and the identification, if possible, of the owner. When an animal is determined to have bitten a person or another animal, the animal shall be confined, in quarantine, for a period of ten days, with the exact duration subject to the judgment of the county health officer or his or her designee.
(B) If the owner of the biting animal has proof of current rabies inoculation, the animal may be left in the charge of the owner under quarantine, unless in the judgment of the County Health Officer, it should be removed to an animal shelter or veterinary hospital for the period of observation.
(C) The owner shall be liable for costs incurred in the quarantine of the animal and for any personal and property damage committed by the incident.
(D) If the ownership of the biting animal cannot be determined; if the owner does not furnish proof of current rabies inoculation; or if the owner fails to securely confine the animal as required, the animal shall be impounded for the period of observation.
(Ord. 99-715, passed 4-12-99)