§ 12-5-107. SAME — DISPOSITIONS AND EUTHANASIA.

(a)

Animal no longer wanted. If the owner of a domestic animal that has been involved in a bite contact or non-bite contact with a human determines that the animal is no longer wanted, the owner shall notify the Health Officer and the Health Officer shall determine the disposition of the animal.

(b)

Euthanasia if suffering. If an animal that has been involved in a bite contact or non-bite contact with a human is inhumanely suffering and its condition warrants euthanasia, the animal shall be destroyed and tested for rabies.

(c)

Impoundment.

(1)

If an animal that has been involved in a bite contact or non-bite contact with a human is determined to be reasonably likely to have rabies, the Health Officer may order the impoundment and humane destruction of the animal and the animal shall be tested for rabies.

(2)

The determination that the animal has rabies shall be based on:

(i)

Known epidemiology and shedding period for rabies in the species;

(ii)

Current symptoms, behavior, and vaccination status of the animal;

(iii)

Type and circumstances of the exposure;

(iv)

Opportunity for the animal to have been exposed to a rabies source in the 6-month period before the bite contact or non-bite contact with a human; and

(v)

Other risk assessment criteria.

(d)

Wild animal or feral dog. If a wild animal or feral dog or cat has been involved in a bite contact or non-bite contact with a human, the Health Officer shall order the humane destruction of the animal and the animal shall be tested for rabies unless:

(1)

The Health Officer determines at the Health Officer's discretion, that the exposure can be safely managed using the risk assessment criteria established under subsection (c) of this section;

(2)

The human victim of the bite contact or non-bite contact with the animal is willing to complete anti-rabies prophylaxis; or

(3)

At the Health Officer's discretion, both paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection occur.

(1988 Code, § 6-180) (Bill No. 63-01, § 5, 8-10-2001; Bill No. 72-03, § 30, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 68-13, § 1, 12-29-2013)