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 Mishawaka
 Code of Ordinances
 Chapter 14. ANIMALS
 Article I. IN GENERAL

  § 14-11. Animal bites.  

Latest version.

  • (a)

    If any person is a victim of an animal bite, he shall immediately notify the county health department, city police department, or animal control agency of the incident, and provide a description of the animal and an identification, if possible, of the owner. A written report shall be forwarded to the animal control agency. When an animal is determined to have bitten a person, the animal shall be confined in quarantine for a period of not less than ten days.

    (b)

    If the animal's owner which has bitten a person presents proof of current rabies inoculations, the animal may be left in the charge of the owner, under quarantine, unless, in the judgment of the humane officer or police officer and based upon considerations of public safety, the humane officer determines it should be removed to an animal shelter or veterinary hospital for the period of observation.

    (c)

    In addition to any other legal obligations prescribed by law, the owner shall pay for all costs incurred in the quarantine and/or impoundment of the animal before such animal will be released. If the owner is unable or unwilling to pay for said costs, the animal may be humanely euthanized, and the owner shall still remain liable to the animal shelter for any costs incurred in said quarantine and/or impoundment.

    (d)

    If the owner of the quarantined animal cannot be determined, or if the owner does not furnish proof of current rabies inoculation, the animal shall be impounded under the authority and discretion of the city animal control agency and confined in the city's animal control facility or an approved animal care facility for a period of observation of not fewer than ten days.

    (e)

    Animal control officers shall be empowered to enter onto private property for the purpose of impounding animals which are known to have bitten a person and shall obtain legal process to do so if necessary.

    (f)

    Unless otherwise provided, the city and any of its agents shall comply with the standards set forth in IC 15-2.1-6-1 through IC 15-2.1-6-13, entitled "Rabies."

( Ord. No. 5485 , § 1(exh. A), 6-1-2015)