§ 4-18. Rabies control.

(a)

Vaccination. Every dog or cat four (4) months of age or older housed in the town shall at all times be currently vaccinated against rabies. The custodian of all such animals shall provide proof of such vaccination upon demand of the animal control officer. Failure to provide such proof may result in such animal being impounded subject to redemption in the manner provided in this chapter.

(b)

Confinement. Whenever any animal or person is bitten by a dog, cat or other animal within the town, the animal control officer shall have the right and authority to examine such animal to determine whether it has rabies. In such case, upon demand of the animal control officer, the custodian of such animal shall deliver it to the animal control officer who may impound such animal for a period as may be necessary to determine whether it has rabies. Such period will not be less than ten (10) days. The custodian is required to pay the cost of the confinement. If said custodian fails to pay for the confinement of said animal, the animal control officer is empowered to proceed as otherwise provided in this chapter. If the animal control officer finds that such animal has rabies or any symptoms thereof, then said animal control officer shall cause such animal to be destroyed.

If the custodian can provide proof of vaccination and such animal is found at the time of examination not to have rabies or any symptoms thereof, said animal may be returned to the custodian following the examination.

(Ord. No. 88-10-10/O-1, § 1)