PLACEMENT: Public Hearings
TITLE:
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CONSIDER ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9, ANIMALS, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 9.87.A.19b GENERAL ORDINANCES, MARTIN COUNTY CODE TO EXTEND THE AMORTIZATION PERIOD FOR EXISTING PET STORES TO JUNE 30, 2023
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
On September 27, 2022 the Board directed staff to send the ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits back to the Animal Care and Control Oversight Board (ACCOB) for public input and review. The ACCOB recommended the ordinance be amended to extend the amortization period to June 30, 2023.
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DEPARTMENT: County Attorney
PREPARED BY: Name: Sarah W. Woods
Title: County Attorney
REQUESTED BY:
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
The following is a timeline of the events leading up to the adoption of Ordinance No. 1181 prohibiting the sale of rabbits, dogs, and cats at pet stores:
December 2021 - Board of County Commissioners (BCC) is asked by a animal rescue organization to consider an ordinance banning the retail sale of pets.
February 2022 - BCC directed staff to develop an ordinance prohibiting the retail sale of dogs and cats by pet stores.
February - April 2022 - County staff contacted the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) who arranged a meeting with the Florida staff of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). HSUS provided recommended changes to the County's existing ordinance, review of proposed new language as well as similar ordinances adopted by Florida Counties. It is important to note that neither the Board direction nor staff research was focused on a specific business but rather consideration of a growing state and national public policy to prohibit pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits that are commercially bred(puppy mills).
April 21, 2022 - At public meeting, the ACCOB reviewed a draft ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores similar to ordina...
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