Subject:
Title
Ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the Pinellas County Code relating to irresponsible owners and animal to animal attacks (companion to item 18).
label
Recommended Action
Recommended Action
Adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the Pinellas County Code relating to animals, changing rules regarding irresponsible owners and animal to animal attacks.
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.
Summary:
On October 6, 2015, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) granted authority to advertise a public hearing on the attached proposed ordinances to be held at the November 10, 2015 regular public meeting.
The proposed code changes are brought forth at the request of the Board to assertively address animals that do not meet the classification of a dangerous animal and will permit Animal Services to issue a citation to the owner of an animal that severely injures or kills another animal. The proposed changes would expand the County’s power within the ordinance, as limited by Florida Statutes, to enhance Public Safety.
The current dangerous animal classification does not enable Animal Services to address a first time animal to animal incident that results in severe injury or death of the victim animal. The newly proposed section 14-38 pertaining to irresponsible owners permits Animal Services to enforce restrictions on pet owners who repeatedly allow their pets to violate various sections of Chapter 14. Restrictions will be placed on owners for additional pet ownership as well as on his or her currently owned pets. The newly proposed section 14-39 pertaining to Bite Incidents will give Animal Services an additional opportunity to address incidents involving animals in noncompliance with ordinances that attack other animals and severe injury or death are the result of the attack. This section is not dependent on the number of incidents.
If approved, the ordinances will be in effect countywide.
Background Information:
N/A
Fiscal Impact:
The annual Irresponsible Owner Classification license surcharge per owned animal is $50.00 for Fiscal Year 2016. This fee is subject to change in future fiscal years.
No fiscal impact from proposed Section 14-39 (Animal to Animal Attack).
Staff Member Responsible:
Doug Brightwell, Interim Director, Animal Services