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(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- In an effort to better care for the pets and for the safety of Miami-Dade residents, Chapter V of the Miami Dade County Code pertaining to animals has been revised, updated and put into effect.
“The re-writing process was a collaborative project that involved members of our community, pet rescue organizations, Animal Services and other concerned animal welfare advocates,” said Dr. Sara Pizano, Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services. “We urge residents to read the new Chapter V to learn about their responsibilities as pet owners and pet businesses as well as their rights,” added Dr. Pizano.
Below is an outline of updates and revisions of Chapter V of the Miami Dade County Code:
- Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against the rabies virus beginning at 4 months of age, and they must be revaccinated as directed by the vaccine manufacturer (typically, every 1 or 3 years). (Section 5-6).
- Dogs must be licensed every year and must wear their tags at all times. (Section 5-7).
- 4 dogs are allowed to live on residential property that is less than one acre, 6 dogs on 1 to 2 acres, and 8 dogs on 2 acres or more. Keeping more than those numbers of dogs on residential property requires a Kennel license (Sections 5-1 and 5-13).
- Dogs are not permitted to roam free off your private property. They must be leashed at all times. (Section 5-20)
- If you breed pets, you must have a Hobby Breeder or Kennel license. (Sections 5-1 and 5-13)
- If you sell pets, you must have a Hobby Breeder or Pet Dealer license (Section 5-10).
- If you sell pets, they must be microchipped and registered to the new owner and must be sold with an original official certificate of veterinary inspection. (Section 5-10)
- To transport a pet in the back of a pick up truck, it must be in a secured carrier. See Section 5-15 for other requirements.
- Dogs in heat must be confined (Section 5-20.1).
- The acquisition or keeping of Pit Bull dogs is prohibited in Miami-Dade County (Section 5-17.6).
- Depriving an animal of food, water, or adequate shelter is an act of animal cruelty (Section 5-4)
- It is unlawful to allow a dog to commit any nuisance (defecation and/or urination) on side walk of public street or buildings used in common by the public. (Section5-20).
A complete copy of Chapter V can be obtained on Miami-Dade Animal Services’ website at www.miamidade.gov/animals.
Miami-Dade Animal Services is responsible for enforcing Chapter V, as well as Florida Statutes 828, which deals primarily with animal cruelty issues. Unlike private shelters that have limitations on the number of pets they accept, Animal Services accepts all dogs and cats. Each year, the shelter impounds more than 34,000 pets. The goal at Animal Services is to reunite lost pets with their families or find life-long homes for as many animals as possible. Related links: www.miamidade.gov/animals or call 3-1-1.
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