Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins successfully passes strong animal cruelty ordinance

MIAMI-DADE – On Tuesday, Nov. 2, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins that addresses animal cruelty in Miami-Dade County.

This ordinance amends sections 5-4 and 8CC-10 of the Miami-Dade County Code to increase civil penalties and fines for acts of animal cruelty and include additional acts that can constitute animal cruelty such as 'trunking' and dogfighting. This new ordinance mirrors Florida state statute and enables local law enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office to prosecute those who commit these heinous acts.

“Upon becoming County Commissioner for District 8 and being exposed to the rampant amount of animal abuse occurring in South Dade, I knew we needed to act fast. Animal cruelty often goes unnoticed due to the fact that the victims do not have voices themselves,” said Commissioner Cohen Higgins. “I am proud that this ordinance passed with the support of all of my colleagues and even garnered media attention from local news. Although this topic is difficult to discuss, it is important we continue to spread awareness on behalf of the animals in Dade County.”