68-8-109 - Observation period by confinement or quarantine Investigation. - Tennessee Statutes

68-8-109. Observation period by confinement or quarantine Investigation.

(a)  If any animal has bitten any person, is suspected of having bitten any person or is for any reason suspected of being infected with rabies, the animal may be required to be placed under an observation period either by confinement or by quarantine for a period of time deemed necessary by the commissioner or rules of the department.

(b)  The act of investigating the bite or rabies exposure and placing the animal under observation by confinement or quarantine shall be accomplished either by the department or by the animal control program, in either the county or municipality wherein either the animal owner or the person bitten resides, in consultation with the department.

(c)  The confinement, quarantine or other disposition of the animal shall follow the current recommendations in the national rabies compendium unless more specific guidelines are designated by duly promulgated rules of the department or as deemed necessary by the commissioner to protect the public's health.

(d)  The observation period by confinement or quarantine may occur at the animal owner's home at the discretion of the department or the animal control program.

[Acts 2004, ch. 765, § 1.]