(A) The identity and address of the owner of any animal that bites a person shall be promptly furnished to the Animal Control Officer and the County Health Department. The animal, regardless of its immunization status, shall be securely quarantined at a veterinary hospital of the owner’s choice at the owner’s expense. The animal shall be observed by a licensed veterinarian for a period of ten days, and may not be released until such reasonable determination has been made that the animal is not infected with rabies, unless the bite was a severe bite by an unimmunized animal. In circumstances of a severe bite (bite on the head, face, neck or upper extremities; or deep laceration; or multiple bite wounds) by an unimmunized animal, the biting animal should be humanely killed immediately, without damaging the head, and the head removed and shipped, under refrigeration, for examination at the State Department of Health. If the animal is not immediately available for testing, the individuals exposed should consult with their physician concerning the need for immediate initiation for rabies prophylaxis. In case of animals whose ownership is unknown, such quarantine shall be at the town animal shelter. If an owner becomes known, the animal may be reclaimed by the owner if adjudged free of rabies, and such owner shall then pay any related charges for confinement. Signs of rabies in wild animals cannot be interpreted reliably; therefore, any wild animal that exposes a person should be killed at once (without unnecessary damage to the head) and the head submitted for examination for evidence of rabies.
(B) It is the duty of every physician, veterinarian or other practitioner to report to the Animal Control Officer the names and addresses of persons treated for bites inflicted by animals, together with such other information as will be helpful in rabies control.
(C) It is the duty of every licensed veterinarian to report to the Animal Control Officer his or her diagnosis of any animal observed by him or her to be a rabid suspect.
(Prior Code, § 4-171)