§ 6-188. Rabid animals.

(a)

Any dog or cat, for which no proof of current rabies vaccination is available and which is bitten by an animal believed to be afflicted with rabies, shall be confined in a pound, kennel or enclosure approved by the health department for a period not to exceed six months at the expense of the owner; however, if this is not feasible, the dog or cat shall be euthanized by one of the methods approved by the state veterinarian as provided in Code of Virginia, § 3.1-796.96. A rabies vaccination shall be administered prior to release. Inactivated rabies vaccine may be administered at the beginning of confinement. Any dog or cat so bitten, with proof of a valid rabies vaccination, shall be revaccinated immediately following the bite and shall be confined to the premises of the owner or other site as may be approved by the local health department for a period of 45 days.

(b)

At the discretion of the health officer, any animal which has bitten a person shall be confined under competent observation for ten days, unless the animal develops active symptoms of rabies or expires before that time. A seriously injured or sick animal may be humanely euthanized as provided in Code of Virginia, § 3.1-706.96, and its head sent to the division of consolidated laboratory services of the state department of general services or the county health department for evaluation.

(Code 1988, § 3-108)

State Law reference— Animal bites, Code of Virginia, § 3.1-796.98.

(Code 1988, § 3-108)

State law reference

Animal bites, Code of Virginia, § 3.1-796.98.