Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ENACT Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO ANIMAL CARE; AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 4 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES ("CODE"); AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners)
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Why Action is Necessary
A Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish notice of public hearing to consider enactment of the Ordinance was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners ("Commission") at its meeting of January 22, 2026.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows for the Commission's consideration of the proposed Ordinance.
Goal Related Icon(s)
?County Commission
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?MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Chapter 4 of the Code is being updated to better protect the health, safety, and welfare of animals and the public, to streamline operational processes within the Animal Care Division ("Division"), and to reflect best practices in the animal welfare community. The amendments also improve readability, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen the division's ability to enforce the chapter.
The Ordinance proposes amendments to the Code to:
? Revise definitions.
? Repeal the impoundment requirement for nuisance dogs and cats.
? Implement procedures for transferring ownership of found stray animals.
? Revise standards for the manner of keeping animals.
? Implement new regulations for pet traders to obtain an annual permit from the Division, which will result in increased revenue.
? Revise regulations for breeders and guard dog services.
? Require animals to be microchipped and vaccinated before being redeemed by their owners.
? Expand the types of programs that can be i...
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