§ 3-189. Confinement for quarantine of animal(s) following a bite or nonbite contact with a human(s).

(a)

The Administrator shall confine any animal following a bite or nonbite contact with a human(s) for clinical observation for a period of ten (10) consecutive calendar days. At the discretion of the Administrator and with the approval of the Health Officer, the confinement may occur on the premises of the animal's owner. The Administrator may issue such written orders to the owner with respect to the confinement of the animal as he finds necessary for the public safety. In the alternative, the animal may be confined at any animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or humane shelter at the owner's option and expense, subject to the approval of the Health Officer and the Administrator.

(b)

No person shall allow a confined animal to escape or be released from confinement. No person shall sell, give away, or otherwise dispose of such animal before the expiration of the ten (10) day confinement and observation period until the animal is examined by a licensed veterinarian or observed by the Administrator or the Administrator's designee. Nor shall any person remove said animal from Prince George's County during the confinement period without the Health Officer's written approval.

(c)

If the animal does not have a current valid rabies vaccination at the time of exposure, the owner must have the ferret, dog, or cat examined by a licensed veterinarian and vaccinated against rabies, at the owner's expense, immediately after the ten (10) day quarantine period.

(d)

If the animal has a current, valid rabies vaccination at the time of exposure, the owner must have the animal examined by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense or taken to the Prince George's County Division of Animal Control immediately after the ten (10) day quarantine period, to verify that the animal is in good health. Proof of valid rabies vaccination must be shown at the time of postquarantine visit.

(e)

The owner of a quarantined animal must pay an examination fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00) upon the completion of a home visit by an Animal Control Officer.

(CB-36-1985; CB-63-1994; CB-109-1997; CB-26-2001)