Commissioners are working to improve the living conditions and quality of life for pets in Clay County through recent revisions to the Animal Services Ordinance No. 2022-14, which became effective March 8, 2022. Amendments to the ordinance covering animal owners’ responsibilities, regulation for breeders of dogs and cats, and the issuance of fines for violations are intended to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all pets in Clay County. The full ordinance will be posted here: https://library.municode.com/fl/clay_county/codes/code_of_ordinances.
Section 4-23 Animal Cruelty, Animal Neglect, and Tethering- Tethering of an animal to a stationary object while outdoors is lawful only for dogs that are at least one year of age, in good health, not pregnant or having puppies, and have access to clean, fresh water and food. The ordinance also requires that the tethered dog(s) MUST be in the visible range of the owner or keeper who must also be outside with the dog(s) at all times. Dog owners who tether dogs outside and are not present will be cited by Animal Control Officers. Animal Control Officers are also authorized to remove tethered dogs behaving aggressively where the dog is accessible by children or the public without a secured fence or enclosure.
Section 4-30 Enforcement, Penalty, and Proceedings for Violation- Animal Control Officers have the authority to issue a written warning or citation to any person found to be in violation of any portion of Ordinance 2022-14. The written warning will identify the violation and demand it be corrected within a reasonable amount of time. Failure to correct the violation will result in a civil infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $500, pursuant to Florida Statutes, section 828.27.
Section 4-37 Breeders of Cats and Dogs (C) Hobby Breeder– Any person or entity that engages in the breeding of up to three female dogs or cats on their property must obtain an annual license from Clay County Animal Services. Licenses are issued after an inspection determines the property meets the minimum requirements identified by the ordinance to protect the health and safety of animals and people on the property. Hobby Breeders may keep only one species of dog or cat, and only one breed of that animal on the property. No more than two litters or 20 puppies or kittens, whichever is greater, can be produced annually per Hobby Breeder. Hobby Breeder license holders are subject to random inspections and routine investigations of complaints without notice and annual inspections with 24-hour notice. Hobby Breeders found in violation of the ordinance may have their license revoked and may be subject to penalties as outlined in Florida Statutes 828.27.
Any breeder of dogs or cats in Clay County with more than three breeding females on their property, regardless of ownership, must be licensed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Federal Commercial Breeder. Any breeder not licensed as a Federal Commercial Breeder must be registered and licensed with Clay County Animal Services as a Hobby Breeder.
A Hobby Breeder’s license guidelines and application can be downloaded at: https://www.claycountygov.com/community/animal-services/hobby-breeders. Completed forms can be submitted with the $100 application fee to Clay County Animal Services at 3984 State Road 16 west in Green Cove Springs. Applicants will be contacted to schedule an inspection of the breeding facility. A license will be issued upon an approved inspection. For more information call Clay County Animal Services at 904-269-6342.
Clay County Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Wayne Bolla said, “The amendments to our Animal Services Ordinance have been made in the interest of promoting responsible pet ownership and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Clay County.” Chairman Bolla added, “Commissioners will not tolerate animal neglect nor abuse in Clay County, and the regulations in this ordinance are intended to prevent it.”
Original source can be found here.
