§ 8-16-3. Examination for rabies.

A.

If any dog or cat has bitten any person so as to break the skin, or is suspected of being infected with rabies, it shall be the duty of the animal shelter to cause such animal to be apprehended and quarantined in the shelter, or veterinary clinic, securely penned and separated from other animals for such period as may be necessary to ascertain whether or not the animal is infected with rabies. Pet owners who are bitten by their own dog or cat may be allowed to quarantine their animal at a veterinary clinic or at home. The health officer will have final authority with regard to animal bite quarantines.

B.

If, after sufficient quarantine, the animal is not infected, in the opinion of the county officer, or the designated staff of the animal shelter, it shall be returned to the owner, upon payment of appropriate impound, licensing, and rabies inoculation fees, and board fees for each day of quarantine. If not redeemed by the owner at the end of the quarantine period, the animal shall become the property of the animal shelter and will be humanely put to death as soon as practicable thereafter.

C.

If, in the opinion of the health officer, or his or her agent, a lab diagnosis is justified, the animal may be euthanized, and proper examination made by the health officer. In determining the necessity of the microscopic examination, the action of the health officer shall be final.

D.

Any animal desired for observation by the health department or the animal shelter under the provisions of this section shall be delivered to the police or city animal shelter personnel upon demand and shall not be withheld, hidden or harbored.

E.

When any person refuses to deliver a dog desired for observation, the city court clerk shall issue to the police department a warrant for the arrest of such person, which warrant shall also provide for the surrender of the animal and shall be lawful authority for the apprehending and forcible taking of the animal.

(Code 1967, § 7-43; Code 1985, § 5-14; Ord. No. 3189, § 1, 3-9-1982; Ord. No. 3973, § 1, 6-29-1990; Ord. No. 4145, § 1, 11-17-1992; Ord. No. 4247, § 2, 4-5-1994; Ord. No. 4578, § 1, 5-5-1998)