Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Lamar P. Fisher
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to draft: (i) an Ordinance amending Section 4-6.5 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances (“Code”) to allow civil penalties for a first-time offense for failing to obtain a breeder permit to be applied toward the fee for a breeder permit; and (ii) a Resolution amending Section 40.9 of the Broward County Administrative Code (“Administrative Code”) modifying breeder permit fees and civil penalties consistent with the recommendations from the Animal Care Advisory Committee in the letter to the Board of County Commissioners dated October 22, 2021. (Commissioner Fisher)
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Why Action is Necessary
Board direction is required for the Office of the County Attorney to prepare the required documents.
What Action Accomplishes
Directs the Office of the County Attorney to draft the above-referenced documents for the Board’s later consideration.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
On October 22, 2021, the Animal Care Advisory Committee (the “Committee”) Chairperson, Grace Johns, sent a letter on behalf of the Committee to the Board of County Commissioners and to the County Administrator regarding the Committee’s recommendations relative to the fees charged by Broward County for obtaining a dog/cat breeder permit.
The recommendations of the Committee are for the County to reduce the cost for a dog/cat breeder permit and to increase the civil penalties for failing to obtain a breeder permit. In addition, the Committee recommends allowing the civil penalties for a first-time violation of Section 4-6.5 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances for failing to obtain a breeder permit to be used towards the cost of the breeder permit. It is the Committee’s belief that the reduction in breeder permit fees, the increase in civil penalties for violations, and the ability to have the civil penalty for first-time offenders used to offset the cost of a breeder permit will encourage those engaged in dog/cat breeding to come into compliance with the requirements of the Code. The Committee further believes these changes would promote the humane treatment of cats and dogs in Broward County and reduce the number of homeless animals.
If approved by the Board, this item would direct the Office of the County Attorney to draft the required documents for the Board’s later consideration.
Source of Additional Information
Mabel Hurtado, Commissioner Assistant, District 4, 954-357-7004
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance and Resolution amending the Administrative Code.