§ 5-12. Rabies control—Generally.

(a)

Every rabid animal or every animal exposed to rabies shall immediately be confined by the owner, who shall promptly notify the animal control officer. Thereafter, such animal shall be taken up and impounded by the animal control officer at the humane society animal shelter so designated by the city or licensed veterinarian of the owner's choice, for a period of ten (10) days, the expense thereof to be borne by the owner of such animal.

(b)

If within such period of ten (10) days, such animal develops symptoms of rabies, then it shall be killed in a humane manner.

(c)

If such animal does not develop symptoms of rabies at the end of such ten-day period, then it may be returned to the owner upon payment of boarding fees. Such animal may be returned earlier if certified by a licensed veterinarian to be free of rabies. The provisions of this section do not apply to cats in the TNR program.

(1)

Feral cats, covered by a TNR program, which attack, bite or injure a human being or other domestic animal without adequate provocation will not be returned to the program. These animals may be adopted by someone who will care for them in a non-urban environment, or they will be killed humanely.

(d)

If the owner does not claim such animal within seven (7) days after the expiration of such ten-day period, it shall be disposed of as provided for in this chapter.

(Ord. No. 10811, § 1(IX), 3-21-88; Ord. No. 12167 , § I, 8-17-2015)