8.19.140 Rabies control.

(1)    It is unlawful to own, keep or harbor any species of animals designated as unlawful by the Washington State Department of Health pursuant to WAC 248-100-450(1) by reason of such species being a transmitter of rabies to human beings, including any skunk, fox or raccoon, except under circumstances permitted by said WAC 248-100-450(1), which is incorporated herein by reference.

(2)    In the event that any animal has bitten a human being, the animal protection and control program may quarantine such animal for a period of up to fourteen (14) days. In the event that the program has reason to suspect that an animal is rabid, the appropriate officials of the Southwest Washington Health District shall be notified and the program shall coordinate any further activities with said health district. Said health district shall have jurisdiction over any matter possibly involving rabies. WAC 248-100-450, 248-100-451 and 248-100-452, together with amendments thereto, are incorporated herein by reference and prevail over any conflicting provision of this title in any suspected rabies matter.

(3)    Quarantine is defined as the keeping of a biting animal or the suspected biting animal separate and apart from other animals and people for a period of up to fourteen (14) days. The animal must not be kept in any area that is accessible to other animals or persons, but may be kept indoors, caged, or confined in a completely fenced yard by a chain or secure harness device. Should the quarantine be broken, the animal may be impounded and held in the animal shelter or other suitable location at owner expense for the remainder of the quarantine period. Redemption is subject to payment of any fees allowable under this title.

(4)    A veterinarian performing a rabies vaccination of any dog or cat must transmit a copy of the vaccination certificate or written documentation that includes the owner and pet information contained on the certificate to Clark County animal protection and control within sixty (60) days. In the alternative, a veterinarian may issue a pet license in accordance with the rules adopted by Clark County animal protection and control and submit proof of licensure to the manager within sixty (60) days. (Sec. 1 of Res. 1981-04-108; amended by Sec. 35 of Res. 1984-12-65; amended by Sec. 23 of Ord. 1985-12-06; amended by Sec. 26 of Ord. 1987-11-37; amended by Sec. 44 of Ord. 2016-11-13; amended by Sec. 25 of Ord. 2024-03-01)