Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2020-548 directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of the Governmental Center to consider enactment of a proposed Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO DOGS AND CATS; AMENDING SECTION 4-2 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES ("CODE"), PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS; AMENDING SECTION 4-6.5, ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR BREEDER PERMITS; AMENDING SECTION 4-11, PROVIDING FOR REGISTRATION OF DOGS AND CATS; AMENDING SECTION 4-14, REQUIRING REPORTING OF DOG, CAT, OR FERRET BITES; AMENDING SECTION 4 14.5, RELATING TO DOG OR CAT BITES WITH INJURIES; 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
The proposed Ordinance was prepared by the Office of the County Attorney at the direction of the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting of March 31, 2020.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the setting of a public hearing during which the Board may consider enacting the proposed Ordinance.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
The proposed Ordinance amends various sections of Chapter 4 of the Code to update and clarify existing definitions and processes relating to aggressive dogs; breeder permits; and bites from dogs, cats, and ferrets. The proposed amendments were approved by the Animal Care Advisory Committee at its meeting of January 17, 2020.
Subsequent to the action of the Animal Care Advisory Committee, the proposed Ordinance was amended to codify existing practices of the Animal Care and Adoption Division that: (i) fines related to dog or cat bites with injuries are reduced by three hundred dollars ($300), if the animal owner pays the victim's medical expenses within fifteen (15) calendar days after the bite and otherwise complies with the requirements of Chapter 4, and (ii) dog or cat owners who fail to obtain a rabies registration tag for their dog or cat within the required time frame, and who have not been issued a citation for such failure, are not to be issued a citation for such failure when a new rabies registration tag is obtained.
The Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department and its Animal Care and Adoption Division recommend approval of the proposed Ordinance.
Source of Additional Information
Maite Azcoitia, Deputy County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The Fiscal Impact Statement by the Office of Management and Budget will be provided at the time of the public hearing, in compliance with Section 18.5(e)(7) of the Broward County Administrative Code.