Subject:
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Authority to advertise a public hearing to be held on February 21, 2017, regarding a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the County Code relating to animals.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Authorize a public hearing to be held on February 21, 2017, for proposed updates to Chapter 14 of the Pinellas County Code relating to animals.
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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:
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 statutes.
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 per year. An exemption in the code was created by working with our Hobby Breeder partners and examining other governmental definitions. This exemption allows a responsible Hobby Breeder to sell no more than two litters or 20 animals per year, whichever is greater, per household, which aligns the state statute language. 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:
An initial public hearing was held on October 11, 2016, after the BCC approved Authority to Advertise on August 23, 2016 to allow the community and partners to examine the comprehensive changes to Chapter 14. A citizen’s meeting was held on December 7, 2016. Citizens unable to attend were able to email additional feedback to Pinellas County Animal Services. Partners and citizens offered extensive feedback to the County and additional changes were offered as a result of that meeting. The proposed draft is inclusive of the Public Hearing feedback held on October 11, 2016, the aforementioned public meeting on December 7, 2016, and a myriad of individual input throughout the review period. Staff is offering this proposed draft as a balanced approach to all partners, which meets the County’s strategic plan and is reasonable and enforceable.
Fiscal Impact:
Sec. 14-29 - Pet Dealerships and Kennels, the proposed change will increase permitting and licensing revenue by an undetermined amount due to permitting requirements expanded to an unknown number of Pet Dealers who sell one litter or more annually and to hobby breeders who sell up to 20 animals annually.
Sec. 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