§ 14-67. Quarantine procedure.

(a)

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any animal reasonably believed to have bitten, scratched or clawed a person shall be quarantined for the subsequent ten days, at the discretion of the rabies control authority. However, currently vaccinated police dogs that bite while in the line of duty shall not be required to be placed in quarantine unless otherwise directed by the rabies control authority.

(b)

The owner of such animal shall immediately notify the animal control division and shall fully cooperate with all reasonable precautionary procedures.

(c)

An animal required to be quarantined pursuant to subsection (a) shall be quarantined by either:

(1)

A licensed doctor of veterinary medicine of the owner's choice, having facilities within the city limits or within a 20-mile radius therefrom for the quarantining of animals and who agrees to provide the following to the animal control division:

a.

Written documentation that the animal was received;

b.

A verbal fifth-day health check of the animal;

c.

A written 240th hour/tenth day health check of the animal; and

d.

A written release authorization; or

(2)

The animal control division.

(d)

The expense of such quarantine and any disposition of the animal shall be borne by the owner of such animal, and the city may bring suit to collect such costs.

(Code 1967, § 5-5; Ord. No. 2566, § 2, 10-26-78; Ord. No. 4444, § 2, 5-8-86; Ord. No. 8307, § 1, 6-11-98; Ord. No. 8914, § 1, 5-23-00)

State law reference

Quarantine, V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code § 826.041 et seq.