Florida's animal control laws are stated in the Florida Statutes
Florida's animal control laws are stated in the Florida Statutes passed by the Florida legislature. Animal control laws are enforced by city or county employed animal control officers. Officers have the ability to issue citations, remove animals from abusive homes and control and subdue animals posing a risk to public safety. Veterinarians and animal shelters are also regulated regarding animal control procedures.
Release from Animal Shelters
In order to control the pet population and reduce the amount of unwanted dogs and cats, the Florida law requires that all dogs and cats released from an animal shelter be sterilized. This requirement is applicable to both private and public animal shelters including humane societies.
Upon adoption of the animal, the shelter shall have the dog or cat sterilized by a licensed veterinarian. Alternatively, the individual(s) adopting the animal may have this procedure performed by a veterinarian after entering into a written agreement with the shelter. This agreement must state that the adopting party will have the surgery performed within 30 days. The shelter shall collect a deposit for the amount of the surgery and be returned to the adopting party only upon sufficient proof of sterilization.
Animal Control Officers
Animal control officers may be employed by a Florida municipality or county agency. While they do not have the ability to bear arms or make arrests, they make issue citations. County employed officers must complete a training course and receive an animal control certification. The course teaches procedures regarding animal handling and cruelty, investigations, search and seizure and issuing civil citations. Upon completion of the course, the officer must receive a passing grade on a written test to receive certification.
Animal control officers issue citations and remove animals from an individual's home when they have probable cause to believe the person committed animal cruelty based on neglect, torment or torture of the animal. Cited persons must appear in city or county court or pay a fine not to exceed $500. County animal control officers may subdue or tranquilize an animal which causes a threat to public safety.
Euthanasia
Florida allows euthanasia procedures, or termination of an animal's life where an emergency situation exists and the animal is injured, diseased or dangerous. A licensed veterinarian must perform euthanasia procedures. Licensed veterinarians must also successfully complete a Board of Veterinary Medicine euthanasia course before performing the procedures.
Florida law also requires an animal undergoing euthanasia to be attended by the veterinarian at all times during the procedure up until the time of the animal's death. Animals may be tranquilized with an approved substance before the procedure is performed. The Florida State Attorney's Office shall bring proceedings against those that violate animal euthanasia laws.
Tags: animal control, control officers, control laws, issue citations, adopting party