§ 5-39. Same—Humans bitten.

(a)

Notwithstanding section 5-38, whenever any person owning, possessing or harboring any dog or cat within the city shall learn that such animal has bitten any human being, such person shall immediately impound such animal for a period of ten days separate and apart from other animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian until it is determined whether the animal had or has rabies. If the animal is found to be rabid, it shall be destroyed. If the owner can provide current proof of rabies shots, the owner may institute home quarantine for the ten-day period. As part of the home quarantine, the owner would need to keep the animal separate and indoors, may only take the animal outside on a leash accompanied by an adult to urinate and defecate.

(b)

The owner shall notify the city police and animal control officer of such impoundment.

(c)

If the owner cannot be advised of the animal bite within the two hours following the occurrence, or if the owner fails to impound the animal as required by this section, the city police or animal control officers shall cause such animal to be so impounded. If the animal is found to be rabid, it shall be destroyed. If it is found not to be rabid, it shall be returned to the owner provided the owner shall first pay for the cost of keeping said animal. If the owner does not pay such cost within five days after he has been notified to claim or retrieve his animal, the animal may be disposed of as provided in this article.

(Ord. No. 24-C, § 27.01, 7-12-76; Ord. No. 350, § 3, 11-24-03)