(A) (1) The person responsible for any animal which has bitten a person or another animal must report the incident to the Animal Control Service or local law enforcement. Any animal which bites a person or which has possibly been exposed to rabies shall be quarantined for not less than ten days in an animal shelter, in a kennel or with a veterinarian.
(2) During quarantine, if the animal is confined in the animal shelter, a charge equal to the actual costs of housing the animal, in an amount that shall be set by the Town Council from time to time per day or the current charge of the Animal Control Service. Also, during the quarantine period, the owner must provide current rabies vaccination certificate for his or her cat or dog that is being quarantined.
(2) If proof of vaccination cannot be supplied, the animal will be vaccinated by a veterinarian at the owner’s expense before release. Upon receiving information about the animal which has bitten a person or which has possibly been exposed to rabies, the Police Department shall notify the animal shelter. If a veterinarian determines that an animal in quarantine is a possible rabies earner, the County Health Officer shall be notified. Any necessary action shall be to confirm the diagnosis and disposal of the animal.
(B) Each owner of a dog/cat which dog/cat is above the age of six months must procure a rabies vaccination for the animal in compliance with state law. At the time of the vaccination, the owner shall purchase a rabies tag from the veterinarian. The animal must wear the tag at all times.
(Ord. 2022-4, passed 9-22-2022)