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File #: 22-2108A    Version: 1
Type: County Attorney Item Status: Regular Agenda
File created: 11/15/2022 Department: County Attorney
On agenda: 12/13/2022 Final action:
Title: Proposed ratification of initiation of litigation in the case of Pinellas County v. Joseph Rippey; County Civil Case No. 22-008067-CO - petition for custody of cruelly or neglectfully treated animals.

Subject:

Title

Proposed ratification of initiation of litigation in the case of Pinellas County v. Joseph Rippey; County Civil Case No. 22-008067-CO - petition for custody of cruelly or neglectfully treated animals.

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Recommended Action:

Recommended Action

Ratification of the Chair’s approval of authority to initiate litigation against Joseph Rippey.                     

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Strategic Plan:

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Summary:

Summary

On November 8, 2022, Animal Services impounded two dogs that were running loose and unattended.  The dogs had been living in a hotel room with their owner in unsanitary conditions.  Animal Services had been working with the owner since May 2022, and during that time, repeatedly found the animals in unsafe, unsanitary conditions. 

Due to the owner’s inability to adequately care for the dogs, Animal Services requested litigation be initiated in accordance with Section 828.073, Florida Statutes.  Pursuant to Resolution No. 21-23, Pinellas County has now filed an action seeking custody and ownership of the dogs and to enjoin the respondent from owning animals or, in the alternative, for the Court to enter an Order to Provide Care for the dogs

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Background Information:

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Fiscal Impact:

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Staff Member Responsible:

Jewel White, County Attorney
Christy Donovan Pemberton, Managing Assistant County Attorney

 

Partners:

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Attachments:

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