Subject:
Title
Moratorium relating to Section 14-29, Chapter 14 of the County Code relating to the expansion of commercial locations engaging in the retail sale of cats and dogs in Pinellas County.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Conduct a public hearing for a proposed moratorium on the expansion of commercial locations engaging in the retail sale of cats and dogs in Pinellas County.
• Approve a one year moratorium on the expansion of commercial locations engaging in the retail sale of cats and dogs in Pinellas County.
• The Board of County Commissioners intends to examine options appropriate to Pinellas County to regulate retail pet sales within the county. While examining this issue, it is in the best interest of the County, and the life, health, safety, and welfare of residents, animals, and potentially impacted businesses, to avoid the potential expansion of pet sale activities within Pinellas County.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
Summary
The proposed moratorium on the expansion of commercial locations engaging in the retail sale of cats and dogs is brought for consideration.
The current code Section 14-29 - Pet Dealers; kennels; and hobby breeders - is being evaluated regarding pet dealers that engage in the retail sale of dogs and cats. Some retail pet sales establishments purchase animals from commercial breeders that operate unsanitary and inhumane breeding facilities.
For these reasons, jurisdictions neighboring Pinellas County have adopted regulations and prohibitions applicable to the retail sale of pets, most recently in Manatee County.
The Board of County Commissioners intends to examine options appropriate to Pinellas County to regulate retail pet sales within the county. While examining this issue it is in the best interest of the County, and the life, health, safety, and welfare of residents, animals, and potentially impacted businesses, to avoid the potential expansion of pet sale activities within Pinellas County.
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Background Information:
The proposed moratorium is proposed on the expansion of commercial locations engaging in the retail sale of cats and dogs. There is a need to declare a moratorium on the expansion of commercial locations engaging in the retail sale of dogs and cats while the County examines this issue and fact finds related to potential regulations to ensure pet sales in Pinellas County are well structured to ensure transparency, adherence to humane practices, and protection of consumers. Section 14-29 - Pet Dealers; kennels; and hobby breeders as currently in effect does not have the scope to ensure the desired transparency, adherence to humane practices, or adequate consumer protection.
Fiscal Impact:
There are no fiscal impacts referenced in this ordinance or the supporting documentation. As a result, no budgetary impacts are anticipated.
Staff Member Responsible:
Doug Brightwell, Director, Animal Services
Partners:
None
Attachments:
Ordinance - Pet Retail Sales Moratorium
Notice of Public Hearing Proposed Ordinance Declaring a One-Year Moratorium