§ 5-11. Cruelty to animals.

Acts deemed as cruelty to animals as listed in F.S. §§ 828.12, 828.13 and 828.16, shall be punishable in this chapter.

(1)

Chaining or tethering of dogs. In situations where the owner has no choice but to restrain the animal on a chain or tether, the following conditions must be met:

• Any tethering system employed shall not allow the dog or puppy to leave the owner's property.

• Any chain or tether must be attached to a properly fitted, properly maintained collar or harness; choke chains and ropes should not be used as a part of a tethering system.

• If a dog or pup is to be tethered it must tethered to a stationary object; not an object that could become mobile, such as a car or truck.

• If an animal is tethered within a fence, it must be chained or tethered far enough away from that fence as to avoid jumping and hanging.

• A tie-out must employ a restraint that is at least ten (10) feet in length or four (4) times the length of the animal from nose to the base of the tail whichever is longer. This restraint must be longer if attached to anything that is off the ground which would lessen the moveable area for the animal.

• A dog or puppy attached to a fixed point chain or tether which is less than twelve (12) feet in length must be released from that tether for exercise for a minimum of two (2) hours every twenty-four-hour period. (Said exercise could be inside the home for interaction with family or within a fenced enclosure or under the caretakers' supervision on a leash obeying local leash laws.)

• A tie-out consisting of chain, leash or wire cable must be of reasonable weight so as not to injure the animal's neck, and must be secured in such a way that the tether cannot become entangled with other objects.

• Because chained dogs are forced to eat, sleep, urinate and defecate in a single, confined area, that area must be cleaned daily. It is advised that the area that [in which] a chained dog is kept be changed regularly. Even if properly scooped, the organic materials on the ground cannot be disinfected and could pose a health risk to the animal confined to such area. Also, grass is often worn down by a dogs pacing, thus leaving nothing but dirt or mud.

• Any female dogs or cats in heat must be kept in a secured area that prevents male dogs or cats from having access to such female except for controlled breeding permitted by the owner of the female. Additionally, the female dog or cat shall not be chained or tethered in a manner that prevents her from defending herself or from avoiding a male.

(2)

Outdoor shelters:

• Any dog or pup that is left unattended outdoors must be provided with proper shelter that is suitable for the size, condition and breed of each animal.

• Shelters must be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect animals from injury. They shall have no sharp edges or points.

• Shelters with wire floors must be of a small enough mesh as to not allow the animal's feet to fall through the openings. A solid or soft area must be provided as a sleeping area.

• Metal barrels, vehicles and the like shall not constitute proper shelter.

• Shelters must protect the animal against inclement weather, preserve body heat and allow them to remain dry. Additional bedding material must be provided when temperatures are below fifty (50) degrees.

• Animals shall not be housed outdoors when temperatures fall below freezing.

• A shelter with ventilation shall be provided during the warm months, or in addition to the shelter structure, one (1) or more separate areas of shade shall be provided to allow the dogs to protect themselves when sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort.

• Floors and walls of outdoor housing facilities must be constructed in such a manner so that they are impervious to moisture and may be readily sanitized. These shelters must be cleaned periodically with the regular removal of food, waste and debris.

(3)

Health care:

• All animals should be kept free from external parasites i.e. fleas and ticks. This may be accomplished by keeping the animal clean with regular brushing. This also may be accomplished with many of the over the counter or prescription products which may be administered as labeled, some as infrequently as every six (6) months.

• Animals should be kept free of internal parasites, i.e. hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm, etc. This can often be accomplished by over the counter medications, but it is advisable to seek veterinary attention, as many of the over the counter products are limited in their effectiveness.

• Animals should be examined annually by a licensed veterinarian.

• Animals must be kept up to date on vaccines; this includes but is not limited to distemper 5 in 1 shots and rabies vaccines.

• Dogs should be kept on heartworm prevention as advised by veterinarian. It is also advisable that cats be kept on heartworm prevention, especially outdoor cats.

• If a dog tests positive for heartworm, provisions should be made to treat the heartworm. If treatment is not possible due to financial reasons there are other options which may be explored to keep the animal as healthy and comfortable as possible.

• Animals who appear weak or unhealthy should receive veterinary attention.

• Injured animals must receive immediate attention. It is required that any severe injuries be treated by a veterinarian.

• If an owner is financially unable to provide proper health care, that owner must seek assistance or consider relinquishing the animal for its own safety.

(Ord. No. 2002-30, § 1(Exh.A), 12-12-02; Ord. No. 2009-11, § 2, 6-25-09)