There are ordinances which already exist regarding cruelty to animals, but local animal rescue groups wanted something with a little more “teeth” to punish those who mistreat their animals. County attorney Garth Coller stated that staff used ordinances from other counties to draft an amendment to the current ordinance which would spell out what is acceptable for animals who are kept outdoors, pulling largely from St. Johns County.
Currently, cases of animal cruelty are prosecuted. Chairman Jim Adkins recalled having a dog which needed to be kept tethered when he was not home, but he ensured proper shelter, water, and food. Dukes agreed with the proposed changes but felt that code enforcement could be difficult as some animals live in poor conditions behind privacy fences. Nicholson commended the staff for going through various things that people could do to animals. He added, “It’s just unbelievable to me…that we have to enact an ordinance because of behavior by individuals who want to abuse their animals.”
Rowden spoke highly of the local rescue groups and said that there was no reason to abuse an animal. She made a motion to approve the ordinance without any public comment, which was seconded by Nicholson. Adkins asked for anyone opposed to the ordinance changes to speak, and Shirley Miketinac approached.
While approving the intent of the ordinance, Miketinac cautioned against moving too quickly and approving the amendment without further consideration. How far does the government go, and what will it actually enforce? Does the change then apply to Hernando County Animal Services or other shelters?
The amendment to the animal control ordinance (unattended tethered dogs) passed 5-0. Dukes also noted that there are issues with cats in his neighborhood. Coller advised that unrestrained cats are also illegal, and the fine is $250 for the first offense (per cat).
The ordinance sets 14 regulations on tethering, the first being, “No person to include owner, harborer, or caretaker shall tether an animal to a stationary or inanimate object as a means of confinement or restraint unless such person is with the animal and the animal is at all times visible to such person.”
Section 6-2 of the County Code of Ordinances will be amended to include ORD 2016-6 on the tethering of animals.