(A) When an individual is bitten by a dog or cat for which the owner does not have proof of rabies vaccination, it is the duty of the bite-victim or the guardian of the victim to notify the district health officer and an animal control officer within 24 hours of the bite. The owner or keeper of the animal shall immediately surrender the animal to animal control officers or Sheriff’s deputies at his or her own expense. The animal control officer shall quarantine the animal securely for 10 days under the observation of the Animal Control Director or a licensed veterinarian. Absolutely no animal that has bitten any person may be rabies vaccinated within 10 days of the bite occurrence.
(B) Unvaccinated dogs or cats bitten by a known rabid animal should be destroyed immediately. If the owner is unwilling to have this done, the unvaccinated animal shall be quarantined immediately in strict confinement and isolation at the owners expense in a manner directed by the Animal Control Director and approved by the district health officer for a 6 month period. It shall be vaccinated with an approved rabies vaccine 10 days after release if no signs of rabies exist. Should the dog or cat show signs of rabies at any time prior to vaccination, it must be immediately destroyed.
(C) If a dog or cat having a current rabies vaccination is bitten by a known rabid animal, it shall be re-vaccinated immediately and confined and isolated at the owners expense for at least 10 days in a manner directed by the Animal Control Director and approved by the District Health Officer.
(Ord. passed 6-23-1997; Am. Ord. 2022-02, passed 3-2-2022; Am. Ord. 2022-02, passed 3-2-2022) Penalty, see § 90.999