A. Animals Exposed To Rabies; Quarantine:
1. Every dog or other animal which has been bitten by, or exposed to, any animal suspected to have been infected with rabies shall be forthwith seized and taken up by the chief of police or any law enforcement officer and securely and separately impounded in the town animal shelter. Such animal shall be quarantined in the pound or at a licensed veterinarian hospital for a period of fourteen (14) days. If after observation for such period, any such animal is adjudged free of rabies, the owner may reclaim the animal upon the payment of the regular keeping fees. In the event that any animal under quarantine or other confinement is diagnosed as being rabid, it shall be disposed of only under the orders and directions of a law enforcement officer in his absolute discretion. (1976 Code § 8.12.010; amd. 2016 Code)
2. No person shall delay or obstruct any town officer in the enforcement of this section. (1976 Code § 8.12.010)
B. Vaccination:
1. Whenever the town council, acting through its proper officer, shall deem it necessary to take extra measures to prevent the spread of the disease known as "rabies", the council shall designate a licensed veterinarian to vaccinate all dogs in the town with the proper vaccine. The cost of the vaccination shall be paid by the owner of the dog at the time of vaccination. Upon vaccination of such dog, the veterinarian shall issue to the owner his certificate showing the inoculation thereof. He shall keep a duplicate of such certificate and file the same in the office of the town clerk. A metallic tag may be attached to a collar on the dog showing the vaccination and the date thereof.
2. Whenever the town shall require the vaccination of dogs, no person shall obstruct or prevent an officer of the town from carrying out the duties required by subsection A of this section. (1976 Code § 8.12.020)