§ 5-28. Impoundment of animal which injures humans.  


Latest version.
  • (a)

    When any animal capable of carrying or transmitting rabies or other disease bites or otherwise injures a person, or is suspected of having rabies, such animal shall be impounded for a period of ten (10) days at either a licensed veterinarian's hospital or the animal owner's home for "home quarantine" if it is considered a third-party bite and the animal owner has proof of current rabies vaccination, for purposes of observation. The circumstances under which a "home quarantine" is possible will be governed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health Zoonotic Disease Control Rules, OAC title 310, chapter 599, section 310:599-1-2. "Home quarantine" will not be possible if the animal is cited for being a "vicious animal" under the provisions of this chapter. The owner of such animal shall pay the impoundment charges due for impoundment at the licensed veterinarian's hospital if such hospital is used for the place of impoundment.

    (b)

    In the event such animal is impossible to capture, it shall be destroyed and the animal control supervisor shall have it examined by medical authority to determine whether it has rabies.

    (c)

    Should any person refuse to deliver custody of such animal to an animal control officer or police officer, said officers may secure an order of the municipal court, to be served upon such owner, commanding such owner to deliver custody of such animal to said officer. The order shall constitute authority to enter any premises for the purpose of enforcing this section.

(Ord. No. 2018-01, § XVIII, 1-2-18)