1. (a) If an order has not been issued under section 2 of this chapter, the state veterinarian, the local health officer having jurisdiction, or an individual designated by the state veterinarian or the local health officer having jurisdiction may do the following:

   1. (1) Order the confinement and destruction of an animal showing clinical symptoms of rabies for laboratory diagnosis.
   2. (2) Order the confinement of an animal suspected of having rabies.
   3. (3) Order the confinement of an animal that has potentially exposed an individual to rabies.
   4. (4) Order the confinement and destruction of an animal that has potentially exposed an individual to rabies.

2. (b) Whenever possible, the state veterinarian or local health officer exercising authority under this section shall give written notice to the owner or suspected owner of an animal:

   1. (1) upon impounding; and

   2. (2) before destroying;

      the animal.

3. (c) The period of confinement ordered under subsection (a) must be:

   1. (1) of at least ten (10) days duration;

   2. (2) under the supervision of:

      1. (A) the state veterinarian; or
      2. (B) a licensed accredited veterinarian or a person designated by the official exercising authority under this chapter; and
   3. (3) at the expense of the owner.

4. (d) Any animal that has been bitten by a domestic or feral animal suspected or known to have rabies may be:

   1. (1) confined for not more than twelve (12) months at the owner's expense; or
   2. (2) destroyed.
5. (e) Whenever informed that an animal subject to an order of quarantine or an order of destruction or confinement under subsection

6. (a) is running at large, the official who issued the order or the official's designee shall investigate the status of the animal. If the investigating official is given a statement that complies with section 10(b) of this chapter, the investigating official may order the animal impounded and, if necessary, provide the statement to a law enforcement officer for action under section 10 of this chapter.

   [Pre-2008 Recodification Citation: 15-2.1-6-11.]

As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.8.