Clay County — Effective immediately, Green Cove Spring commissioners are implementing ordinances for animal owners and breeders to ensure the health and safety of animals moving forward into the summer months.
The following information was released in a press release issued by Clay County Commissioners.
According to Wayne Bolla, the Clay County Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, “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. Commissioners will not tolerate animal neglect nor abuse in Clay County, and the regulations in this ordinance are intended to prevent it.”
Ordinances Include: Animal Cruelty, Animal Neglect and Tethering.
Dogs must be a year or older to be tethered to a stationary object while outdoors. The animal/s must be in good health. The animal/s is not allowed to be pregnant or nursing puppies. The animal/s must have access to clean, fresh water and food. The animal/s is required to be in visible range of the owner or caretaker who must be outside at all times. If not present, owners who tether dogs outside will be cited by Animal Control Officers. Animal Control Officers are also authorized to remove tethered dogs in open spaces without secured fencing - open to children and the public - who are behaving aggressively.
According to the Clay County Commissioners, “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.”
Cat and Dog Breeders/Hobby Breeder:
“A person or business engaging in breeding up to three female dogs or cats on their property must obtain an annual license from Clay County Animal Services. Licenses will be issued after an inspection determines that 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 are allowed only one species of dog or cat and only one breed of that animal on the property that includes no greater than two litters or 20 puppies or kittens produced annually by the Hobby Breeder. Hobby Breeder license holders are subject to random inspections and routine investigations of complaints without notice. Annual inspections can be conducted with a 24-hour notice.
According to Clay County Commissioners, “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.”
Clay County dog or cat breeders with more four or more breeding females on their property, regardless of ownership, must be licensed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Federal Commercial Breeder.
According to the Clay County Commissioners, “Any breeder not licensed as a Federal Commercial Breeder must be registered and licensed with Clay County Animal Services as a Hobby Breeder.”
For more information call Clay County Animal Services at 904-269-6342.
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