CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 20, 2009
TO: D. Mike Good, City Manager
FROM: Richard D. Cannone, Director of Development
SUBJECT: An Ordinance of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Amending Chapter 6, Animals, of the City of Hallandale Beach Code of Ordinances by Creating Article III, "Animal Care"; Providing for Conflict, Severability and an Effective Date. (First Reading) (Staff: Director, Development Services) (See Backup) CR #064/09
PURPOSE:
To amend Chapter 6 of the City’s Code of Ordinances by creating Article III, “Animal Care”, in order to regulate the treatment of animals within the City by pet owners and keepers.
BACKGROUND:
Recently, staff has received several complaints regarding animal care within the City. Due to the volume of complaints and the City Commission’s concern, staff has researched and drafted an ordinance that would protect animals from being cruelly treated by pet owners and their keepers.
DISCUSSION
Broward County has an ordinance related to animals; however, it is not comprehensive and does not include any provisions regulating the treatment of animals in pet stores and/or commercial kennels. Currently, the City’s Code of Ordinances does not provide any regulations related to the health and care of animals. Staff has prepared the attached Ordinance creating a section entitled, “Animal Care”, which outlines regulations for the treatment and care of animals by pet owners and keepers and a section that specifically pertains to businesses that are related to the sale, keeping, and/or care of animals and the requirements for operating such a business in Hallandale Beach.
Staff presented the draft Ordinance to the Code and Permitting Advisory Committee at their April 9 and May 12, 2009 meetings and no adverse comments were received.
Below is a summary of the proposed regulations pertaining to pet owners and/or keepers:
1. Prohibits anyone from beating, tormenting, injuring, or otherwise treating any animal in an inhumane manner;
2. Requires animals to be housed in clean, safe conditions with adequate protection from outdoor elements;
3. Requires a sufficient supply of good and wholesome food and access to visibly clean and fresh water be provided;
4. Requires veterinary care as needed to treat a sick or injured animal and as required to prevent disease;
5. Prohibits leaving an animal unattended for more than 12 consecutive hours;
6. Prohibits the tying, chaining, or tethering of an animal for more than 15 minutes unless the owner or keeper is present.
The following is a summary of the proposed regulations for any business related to the sale, keeping, and/or care of animals:
1. Requires any establishment related to the sale, keeping, and/or care of animals to first obtain a business license from the City and provide the City with a list of animals to be kept on the premises.
2. Requires pet stores to post in the window of the property the name, number, and address of the person to be contacted at any time to provide City officials access to the property;
3. Requires cages to be clean and sanitary with enough space to allow the animal to sit, stand or turn around as desired;
4. Prohibits animals in pet stores from being left unattended for more than 12 consecutive hours;
5. Prohibits animals from being exposed to public view for more than 16 hours in a 24 hour period;
6. Prohibits sick, injured, or unweaned animals from being sold or exhibited; and
7. Requires appropriate exercise for confined or restrained animals.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Commission adopt on First Reading the attached ordinance and schedule Second Reading for June 17, 2009.
Prepared by: Concur:
________________________ __________________________
Sarah Suarez Christy Dominguez
Senior Planner Director of Planning and Zoning
Reviewed:
_______________________________ __________
D. Mike Good, City Manager Date
_____Approved _____Disapproved _____Hold for Discussion
Comments: