(A) When a dog or cat which has bitten or scratched a human or attacks another animal has been identified, the owner shall be required to produce the animal for ten days confinement to determine whether such dog or cat has been exposed to rabies. Any unclaimed animal may be destroyed for rabies diagnosis prior to the end of this observation period. The dog or cat may be released from quarantine if a veterinarian determines that the animal does not show the clinical signs of rabies; provided, the owner has paid all reasonable costs associated with the quarantining. Refusal to produce such animal is a misdemeanor and each day of such refusal constitutes a separate and individual violation.
(B) No animal which has a high probability of transmitting rabies, including skunks, bats, foxes and raccoons, will be placed in quarantine for observation. All such animals involved in biting incidents will be humanely killed in such a manner that the brain is not mutilated. The brain shall be submitted to a laboratory certified by the state Department of Health for rabies diagnosis.
(C) The health authority may require an animal which has inflicted multiple bite wounds, punctures, or lacerations to the face, head, or neck of a person to be humanely killed and the brain tested for rabies.
(Ord. 914, passed 10-14-04) Penalty, see § 10.99