§ 41.1-2-8. Confinement of animals suspected of having rabies.

(a)

Every person having knowledge of the existence in the County of an animal apparently afflicted with rabies shall report immediately to the Director of Health the existence of such animal, the place where seen, the owner's name, if known, and the symptoms suggesting rabies.

(b)

It shall be the duty of any of the officials charged with the enforcement of this Chapter to impound in the Animal Shelter, at no expense to the owner, any animal showing active signs of rabies or suspected of having rabies, or upon the request of the owner and at his expense, the animal may be placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian. The animal shall be confined for such period of time as may be necessary to establish a diagnosis. If confinement is impossible or impracticable, such animal shall be destroyed upon the authorization of a licensed veterinarian or any person charged with the enforcement of this Chapter by one of the methods approved by the State Veterinarian. (26-04-41.1.)