20.11.07 CONTROL OF RABIES AND RABID ANIMALS

1. Rabies Vaccination Required: It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to suffer, allow or permit such dog to be or go upon any sidewalk, street, alley, public place or square within the Town, without having such dog vaccinated every three (3) years against Rabies as provided in section B of this section and without there being on such dog a collar or harness with a license tag thereon showing that such dog has been so vaccinated. Exception: Puppy vaccinations for rabies are good for only one (1) year. 2. Vaccination by Licensed Veterinarian: Every owner of any dog within the Town shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, shall secure from the veterinarian a certificate thereof and shall attach to the collar or harness, which such person is hereby required to place upon the dog, a tag showing that such vaccination has been done. Exception: The owner of any dog may themselves purchase serum and vaccinate their own dogs and shall provide adequate proof of vaccination. 3. Reporting of Rabid Animals: Anyone having knowledge of the whereabouts of an animal known to have or suspected of having rabies shall report the fact immediately to the Animal Control Officer. 4. Biting Animal Quarantined: Any dog or other animal of a species subject to rabies which is known to have bitten or injured any person so as to cause an abrasion of the skin shall be placed in confinement under observation of a veterinarian hospital or the Town Pound at the owner’s expense and shall not be euthanized or released until at least ten (10) days after the biting or injury has occurred, in order to determine whether or not the animal has rabies. If the animal dies or has been killed, its head shall be removed and immediately taken to the State Health Laboratory to be examined for rabies. 5. Bitten Animals Quarantined: Any animal of a species subject to rabies which has been bitten by a known rabid animal or has been in intimate contact with a rabid animal shall be isolated in a suitable place approved by the Animal Control Officer for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days or destroyed. 6. Knowledge of Bite: Any person having knowledge of any individual or animal having been bitten by an animal of a species subject to rabies shall report the incident immediately to the Animal Control Officer. 7. Owners shall be responsible for all costs associated with the housing of a rabid animal.