Subject:
Title
Ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the County Code relating to animals.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the Pinellas County Code (code) relating to animals.
Body
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:
The proposed changes to Chapter 14 are brought forth to address sections of the code that are in need of clarification, augmentation, or standardization with other sections within the code itself or with state statues.
The current code is in need of clarification in regards to public nuisance barking, dangerous animal classification, definitions, and fees and charges administration. Sec. 14-64 guard dog registration will be standardized in line with other registrations required on an annual basis. The proposed changes will augment Sec. 14-29 - Pet Dealerships and Kennels; and Sec. 14-61 - Rabies Vaccinations and Licensing.
The change to the definition of a Pet Dealer as it applies to Section 14-29 will require an annual inspection and permit for any person who advertises or sells one litter of animals or more per year and establishes a Hobby Breeder definition. After careful consideration of dialogue with Commissioners during the August 23, 2016 BCC meeting, the proposed change has been amended to give citizens with unintended litters operations. Citizens with one-time litter sales may choose to have their female animal sterilized in lieu of getting a pet dealer permit and/or citation. The change to Sec. 14-61 will codify the requirement for veterinarians to submit licensure and rabies certificates to Animal Services within 30 days.
If approved, the ordinances will be in effect countywide.
Background Information:
On February 7, 2017, the Board granted authority to advertise and schedule a public hearing regarding the attached proposed ordinance.
Fiscal Impact:
Section 14-29 - Pet Dealerships and Kennels, the proposed change will increase revenue by an undetermined amount due to permitting requirements expanded to Pet Dealers who sell one litter annually and to Hobby Breeders who sell up to 20 animals annually.
Section 14-64 - Guard Dogs, the proposed change to an annual registration will increase revenue by $1,350 annually.
All other sections have no fiscal impact.
Staff Member Responsible:
Doug Brightwell, Director, Animal Services
Partners:
License Resellers
Community Veterinarians
SPCA Tampa Bay
Humane Society of Pinellas
Pet Pal
MEOW Now
Hobby Breeders and Enthusiasts
Attachments:
Ordinance Redline Version
Ordinance Clean Copy
Animal Ordinance Advertisement
Ordinance Support Email from SPCA Tampa Bay
Ordinance Support Email from Friends of Strays
Ordinance Support Email from MEOW Now