PLACEMENT: Public Hearings
TITLE:
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PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9, ANIMALS, GENERAL ORDINANCES, MARTIN COUNTY CODE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO A PROHIBITION OF THE SALE OF RABBITS, DOGS AND CATS AT PET STORES
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
Earlier this year the Board directed staff to develop an ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats at pet stores. On April 12, 2022 the Animal Care and Control Oversight Board (ACCOB) reviewed the draft ordinance and unanimously recommended adoption of the proposed ordinance with a one-year effective date for any existing pet stores.
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DEPARTMENT: County Attorney
PREPARED BY: Name: Sarah W. Woods
Title: County Attorney
REQUESTED BY: Board of County Commissioners
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
Beginning in late 2021 County Commissioners received requests to consider an ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats at pet stores. Early in 2022 the Board directed staff to develop an ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores. Staff contacted the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast who arranged for a meeting with representatives of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Florida staff from HSUS provided recommended changes to the County's existing ordinance as well as similar ordinances adopted in other Florida counties.
The revisions to the proposed ordinance include the following:
I. Amendments to Section 9.1
- Changing the name of the Animal Services Division to the Animal Services Unit.
- Adding a definition for animal shelter or private non-profit organization.
- Adding definitions of cat, dog and rabbit.
- Amending the definition of Pet Store to exclude the purchase of rabbits, dogs and cats.
II. Amendment to Section 9.87.A.
- Addition of Section 9.87.A.19. which provides as follows:
19.a. Pet stores shall not sell or offer for sale rabbits, dogs or cats. This su...
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