Whenever it becomes necessary to safeguard the public from the dangers of rabies or other communicable disease, the city council, if it deems it necessary for the public’s health and safety, shall pass a resolution ordering every person owning or keeping the infected-type animal to confine it securely on his premises unless such animal has a muzzle of sufficient strength to prevent its biting any person. Any animal not muzzled and running at large during the time of the proclamation shall be seized and impounded. All animals noticeably infected with rabies shall be euthanized by the animal control authority or by any police officer, without notice to the owner. Animals impounded during the first two days of such proclamation shall, if claimed within five days, be released to the owner, unless infected, upon payment of the fees and charges provided for in this chapter. If unclaimed after that period, such animal may be summarily destroyed. The resolution may also provide for and require the vaccination of all dogs with antirabies vaccine, or other appropriate vaccines in the case of animals or diseases.

Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000. (Ord. 2927 § 8, 2011; Ord. 2604 § 1, 2006; Ord. 2091 § 14, 1996; Ord. 1215, 1981)