Appendix 4456. Isolation of biting animals.

Except as otherwise provided herein, the Poundmaster shall take up, impound and isolate any animal, licensed or not, of a species subject to rabies which animal is reported to have bitten or otherwise exposed any person, whether or not such animal has been vaccinated with rabies vaccine and whether or not such animal displays any symptom suggestive of rabies. The animal shall be impounded and isolated in the manner provided in Section 4453 for the isolation of animals suspected of having rabies. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4460, such isolation shall continue for at least ten (10) days from the date of the bite if the animal is a dog or cat or the period of time stated per species under California State Law. Any person who is twenty-one (21) years of age or older may, however, make written request to the Poundmaster for the isolation of such biting animal either in facilities provided by a licensed veterinarian or in a licensed boarding kennel or upon the private premises of the person making such request. If such request is approved by the Poundmaster, such biting animal shall not be taken up and impounded but shall instead be kept strictly confined and isolated in such veterinarian's facilities or on such private premises for the isolation period. The Poundmaster shall post such private premises with conspicuous notice that an animal is being confined thereon to be observed for rabies. Upon termination of the isolation period, animals isolated in an animal pound shall be released upon payment of the fees set forth in Section 4459 if, in the opinion of any licensed veterinarian or the County Health Officer, the animal does not have rabies, and animals isolated upon private property shall be released from such isolation if, in the opinion of any licensed veterinarian or the County Health Officer, the animal does not have rabies.

(Ord. No. 4457, § 1, 12-10-2013)