§ 5-41. Procedure on retention, observation and disposition of animals which have bitten person(s) or other animals, or those suspected of having disease.

The animal control officer, in the course of his duties of investigation of cases in which animals have bitten persons or other animals, shall immediately notify the owner of such animal which has bitten any person or animal to surrender the animal to the animal control officer immediately or otherwise arrange for the animal control officer to pick up and retain such animal in a separate kennel at the designated animal shelter for a period of not less than ten days after the biting of such person or other animal, during which period it shall be determined by the city health officer or designated official whether or not such animal is suffering from any disease. If no disease is found, the city health officer shall signify to the animal control officer that such animal may be released to the owner; provided further, that the animal control officer may authorize keeping of any such animal on the owner's premises provided that the owner produces a certificate of rabies vaccination performed by a veterinarian showing that such animal has been vaccinated for rabies not longer than 12 months previous thereto and provided further, that the animal control officer may authorize any such animal to be retained for a period of not less than ten days after biting such person or animal in quarters supervised by a veterinarian; provided further, that the city health officer or animal control officer may authorize the keeping of certain animals confined on the owner's premises because of veterinary medical reasons, such as small rodents, monkeys, or other animals difficult to maintain or susceptible to diseases which might occur with changes of environment or female dogs with pups, provided the owner secures a written statement of such consideration from a veterinarian if required by the city health officer.

(Code 1962, §§ 5-29, 5-44; Ord. of 1-10-2000)