Subject:
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Authority to advertise a public hearing to be held on August 15, 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 August 15, 2017, for proposed updates to Chapter 14 of the Pinellas County Code (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
Summary:
The proposed changes brought forth to Chapter 14, Section 14-37 of the Code in order to remove Paragraph (f), the sunset provision of Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return (TNVR). This removal would make Section 14-37 a permanent part of Chapter 14.
Section 14-37 of the ordinance defines a community cat as any feral or free roaming cat under the care of a colony caregiver. Colony cats are required to be sterilized with a current vaccination for rabies and shall be distinguished from other cats by being ear tipped and tattooed.
It is recommended that the proposed ordinance change be approved to become effective January 1, 2018.
If approved, the ordinance will be in effect countywide to include incorporated and unincorporated areas.
Background Information:
Section 14-37 of the County Code was approved June 24, 2014 to establish a three year TNVR Pilot Program in Pinellas County. It is our continued belief as supported by the initial data that a properly structured TNVR program can continue to reduce the number of cats living and reproducing outdoors.
Pinellas County Animal Service’s staff, in partnership with the County Attorney’s Office staff, continue to research best practices relating to retail pet sales and will report to the Board with recommendations in the near future.
Fiscal Impact:
The approximate cost per day to intake, vaccinate, feed, and house each animal is $10.00. Animal Services has multiple initiatives, including TNVR, which focus on reducing the number of animals entering the shelter system.
Staff Member Responsible:
Doug Brightwell, Director, Animal Services
Partners:
MEOW Now
Humane Society of Pinellas
Operation SNIP
SPCA Tampa Bay
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance Redline Version
Proposed Ordinance Clean Copy
Animal Ordinance Advertisement