Miami-Dade Animal Services Department Director Alex Muñoz' Statement
Miami-Dade Animal Services has confirmed that the dog housed on a warehouse rooftop in the City of Miami is being properly cared for. Investigators responding to the warehouse located at 1201 NW 23rd Street found two American Bulldogs in excellent physical condition with access to food, water and shelter. At the time of the unannounced inspection yesterday, August 1, both dogs were located inside the warehouse, happily playing as their owner looked on.
According to the owner, the male dog is confined primarily in the afternoon and evening hours on the securely fenced rooftop due to multiple copper theft incidents which have occurred over the years. The rooftop doghouse is contained in a sturdy wooden structure complete with a roof and elevated floor.
This morning, August 2, Miami-Dade Animal Services investigators responded to the location to conduct a follow up inspection, but could not gain access to the roof. The inspectors will revisit the location to ensure the dogs’ safety.
“The safety and welfare of these and all animals are of great concern to all of us,” said Alex Muñoz, Director, Miami-Dade Animal Services Department.
While the Miami-Dade Animal Services Department’s priority is the health and safety of all animals, its primary responsibility is to enforce Chapter 5 of the Code of Miami-Dade County and State of Florida Statute 828, which deals with animal cruelty issues. The department takes this responsibility very seriously and will never endanger any animal’s life.
The Miami-Dade Animal Services Department has reached out to the City of Miami to request a joint inspection to ensure the housing and fenced rooftop enclosures are appropriately
To adopt a shelter pet, visit Animal Services at 7401 NW 74 Street, Miami, FL 33166 or call 3-1-1.