The owner of a domestic animal that bites another, or any person who is bitten by an animal, or any doctor, veterinarian or hospital which has information that a person or domestic animal was bitten by an animal shall promptly report to the animal control authority and said animal shall thereupon be securely quarantined at the direction of the animal control authority for a period of 10 days. At the discretion of the animal control authority, such quarantine may be on the premises of the owner, at the shelter designated as the city’s animal shelter, or, at the owner’s option and expense, in a veterinary hospital of the owner’s choice. In the cases of animals whose ownership is not known, such quarantine shall be at the shelter designated as the city’s animal shelter or veterinary hospital.

Any person who fails to report an animal bite as required or fails to maintain the quarantine as directed by this section shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may, upon conviction, be punished by confinement not to exceed one year and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000. In the event the required quarantine period is not maintained, the animal may be impounded and boarded at the owner’s expense. If the owner fails to satisfy payment of boarding fees, the animal may be set for adoption by the designated city animal shelter or euthanized. The owner may appeal the impoundment and euthanasia under the provisions of LMC 6.02.145. Euthanasia shall be stayed pending resolution of the appeal. (Ord. 2884 § 6, 2011; Ord. 2604 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1215, 1981)