§ 9.08.150. Suspicion of rabies.

Whenever the owner or person having the custody or possession of an animal shall observe or learn that such animal shows symptoms of rabies, or acts in a manner which would lead to a reasonable suspicion that it may have rabies, he or she shall immediately notify the division. Under supervision of the health officer such domestic animal shall be kept isolated in a pound, veterinary hospital, or other facility approved by the health officer and shall not be killed or released for at least ten days after detection of symptoms suggestive of rabies. If a veterinarian determines that the animal does have rabies and should be euthanized the division shall destroy the animal in accordance with state law for the purpose of laboratory examination for rabies. After ten days the dog or other animal may be released by the division, provided the division has determined that the animal does not have rabies.

The chief animal control officer, or his duly authorized representative, is authorized and empowered to enter in a manner authorized by law, upon private property where any dog or other animal is kept, or believed by him to be kept, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the dog or other animal is afflicted or infected with rabies or other contagious disease.

(Ord. 2838 § 8, 1998: Ord. 2764 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 2474 § 1 (part), 1990)