The local authorities of every institution district shall provide with approved medical care and proper attendance (including the so-called Pasteur treatment, where prescribed) all indigent persons settled within their district who may be assumed to be in danger of suffering from hydrophobia or rabies by reason of having been bitten by an animal believed to have been suffering from said disease, and to order payment of the expenses so incurred out of the funds of the district or city for the care of dependents.