Section 151B. Any veterinarian registered under the provisions of section fifty-five or fifty-six A of chapter one hundred and twelve who renders emergency care or treatment to, or disposes of, a dog or cat that is injured on any way, shall receive payment from the owner of such dog or cat, if known, or if not known, from the dog fund of the county in which the injury occurred, in an amount not to exceed twenty dollars for such care, treatment or disposal; provided, however, such emergency care, treatment or disposal shall be for the purpose of maintaining life, stabilizing the animal or alleviating suffering until the owner or keeper of such dog or cat is identified or for a period of twenty-four hours, whichever is sooner. Any veterinarian who renders such emergency care or treatment to, or disposes of, such dog or cat shall notify the dog officer in the city or town and, upon notification, such dog officer shall assume control of such dog or cat.