§ 3-43. Same—Procedure upon suspicion of rabies.

(a)

A dog or cat or any other animal which shows symptoms of rabies or which has bitten anyone or been bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies shall be penned up immediately by its owner or by the person having charge of the animal or by the person sheltering, feeding, harboring or taking care of the animal, and such owner or other person shall immediately notify the animal control officer. The animal shall be confined in a place and under conditions approved by the animal control officer for not less than ten (10) days. The animal shall be subject to observation by the animal control officer or person designated by him at all times during the period. An owner confining an animal on private property shall execute a waiver of any and all liability of the town, its agents or employees for any injury to person or property arising out of or by reason of such confinement.

(b)

In lieu of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the owner of any such animal may, at his own expense, take such animal to any duly qualified and licensed veterinarian to be placed under observation for a period of ten (10) days at the expense of the owner or allow the animal to be impounded under the provisions of this article.

(c)

All animals confined for suspicion of rabies as provided in this section shall be securely penned and separated from other animals at all times.

(d)

If rabies does not develop within the ten-day period of confinement, then the animal shall be released to its owner. But if symptoms develop justifying microscopic examination, then the animal shall be destroyed in a humane manner by the animal control officer or a licensed veterinarian.

(Code 1967, § 6-29)

State law reference

Rabies, G.S. § 130A-184 et seq.; confinement of all biting dogs and cats, G.S. § 130A-196.