animal ordinance revised!!

On August 23, 2011, Leon County Board of County Commission approved the revisions to the Animal Control ordinance, Chapter 4, 'Animals'. The ordinance went into effect on September 2, 2011. Some of the changes include the removal of your pet's waste, limiting the number of animals based on property size (after being convicted of two violations of the ordinance), tethering restrictions, requiring health certificates for animals being sold, prohibiting the feeding of feral animals, microchipping of animals reclaimed, spay or neutering of pets after a second reclaim and the increase in citation fees. Definitions were added or re-written, including; abandon animal, proper shelter, domestic animal, and livestock. With the resent changes to the Florida State Statute (767.12 F.S.) on dangerous dogs, certain revisions to the County section were required. The new ordinance may be viewed by clicking on the following link.  Animal Control Ordinance 2011   .

cold weather tips!!

Summer is over, Fall and Winter is here!!

Cats: Keep your cats indoors. Outside cats can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Outdoor cats sometimes choose to sleep under the hood of cats, where it is warmer. When the motor is started the cats can be injured or killed in the fan belt. Before starting the engine, bang loudly on the car's hood for a few seconds or honk the horn.

Dogs: Short hair dogs may need a sweater or warm coat when they go outside. Look for one that covers the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath. Your dog may be sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, so take him outside long enough to relieve himself. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs. They need extra protection during the winter months. If our dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase its supply of food, particularly protein, to keep the fur thick and healthy. Do not shave down your dog during winter months, the hair is their protection from the cold and wind.

Horses: Usually, horses can withstand a lot of cold, but they are not invincible. Making sure your horse gets the winter care he deserves can insure a healthy, happy horse all year round. One important thing to check is that your horse has a clean, dry, but well ventilated place to stay. Damp environment can lead to colds, coughs and viral infections. Remember, if exercising your horse in cold weather, give him more time to warm up his muscles so he will be limber. And don't forget to check the water bucket for ice.

General Precautions:

·         Keep your animal on leash when out doors.

·         Watch out for Antifreeze. Even in very tiny doses, it is lethal poison for dogs and cats. Due to its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle. Another option is to use animal-friendly products containing propylene glycol rather than traditional products containing ethylene glycol. Call your veterinarian if you suspect your animal has been poisoned.

·         Make sure your animal has a warm place to sleep away from drafts and off the floor, such as a dog or cat bed, blanket, or pillow.

·         Never leave your pet inside a vehicle during cold weather. A vehicle can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. The animal could freeze to death.

Safety also pertains to the weather. Protect your pet from the elements. County ordinance Section 4-37, Humane Care, requires that you provide protection from the weather at all times. Do this for your peace of mind and the animal's safety.

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include pets in fire safety programs!

With today homes using portable heaters and fire places to stay warm in the winter, pets belong in your fire safety program. Plan your family's safe evacuation in advance, including your pet. Remember your pets' usual hiding and sleeping places. During a fire, they'll be terrified, and are likely to hide in their favorite retreats.

If possible, escort your pets to safety on leashes, or in crates or cages. In an emergency, a cat can be safely carried inside a pillow case. Obedience-trained dogs will be more likely to cooperate with their owners during the evacuation and ensuring chaos.

Include some of your pets' food in your family emergency kit. Pets health records should also be included, as a boarding kennel will require these documents. Always take your pet t the veterinarian as soon as possible. Pets can suffer from serious smoke inhalation in a matter of minutes, and may also have burns underneath their fur or feathers.

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Help Stop dog fighting!

Florida Attorney General and The Humane Society of the United States Announce Animal Fighting Reward Program

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 28, 2008) — Attorney General Bill McCollum and The Humane Society of the United States have teamed up to combat cockfighting and dog fighting in Florida. At a joint press conference held today at the state Capitol, they announced that The HSUS is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting.

Laura Bevan, Southeast regional director for the HSUS spoke on behalf of the national animal protection organization. Also taking part in the press conference were Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, John Calhoun of Animal Services Center of Tallahassee, and Richard Ziegler representing Leon County Animal Control and the Florida Animal Control Association.

“Animal fighting is a violent crime that not only causes horrible animal suffering, but also is associated with illegal gambling, drugs and firearms, and I am glad to help law enforcement by announcing this reward,” McCollum said. “The Florida Attorney General’s Office has no tolerance for those who abuse animals for entertainment.”

Dogfighting and cockfighting are both third degree felonies in Florida, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and/or a maximum $5,000 fine. In 2007, authorities investigated at least 25 cases of animal fighting — literally from one end of the state to the other, with open investigations from Pensacola to Key West. Hundreds of dogs, birds and other animals were found dead or injured. 

“Floridians are fortunate to have a champion against animal fighting in Attorney General McCollum,” Bevan said. “We’re proud to partner with him on this important program to help put animal fighters behind bars.”

Animal Fighting Reward Program Instructions

If you have information about illegal animal fighting in Florida, you may call The HSUS at 202-452-1100. Additionally, The HSUS has partnered with the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers programs offer the ability to remain completely anonymous and still be eligible for a cash reward. A list of Florida’s Crime Stoppers organizations can be found on the FACS website: floridacrimestoppers.com.

About Dogfighting:

• Dogfighting is a highly organized criminal industry; more than 250,000 dogs are placed in dogfighting pits each year.
• A Chicago Police Department study showed that 65 percent of people charged with animal abuse crimes — including dogfighting — were also charged with violent crimes against people.

About Cockfighting:

• Tens of thousands of people are involved in cockfighting nationwide.
• Common cockfighting practices include breeding birds for viciousness, drugging them to heighten aggression, and fitting their legs with razor-sharp knives or gaffs resembling ice picks.
• Law enforcement raids across the country have revealed that cockfights, which are frequently attended by children, often involve gambling and — as a result of the large amount of cash present — firearms and other weapons are also often present.
• Law enforcement officials have documented a strong connection between cockfighting and the distribution of illegal drugs. 
• Breeding and transporting fighting roosters for cockfighting is implicated in the spread of diseases such as Exotic Newcastle Disease, which can decimate the poultry industr

Media Contact: Nadya Vera, 301-258-3126, nvera@humanesociety.org

 The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

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Vaccinate you pets!

Leon County Animal Control has seen an increase in animal bites this past year with less than 50% of the suspect animals vaccinated against rabies. Unvaccinated pets not only places the animal at risk, but also the bite victim and pet owner. Many pets have contact with area wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, beavers, skunks, and bats. “An increase in animal to animal contact can be attributed to the unusually warm season, limited food sources and dry weather” said Leon County Animal Control Director Richard Ziegler.

Rabies is a virus that is transmittable from animal to human, usually transferred by a bite from an infected animal. Rabies is preventable to people and pets, it just requires owners to get their animals to their veterinarian for their immunizations shot. Leon County Animal Control advises people to leave the five common rabies carriers alone. If you see a sick animal, contact the following agencies:

Un-incorporated areas of Leon County -Leon County Animal Control at (850) 606-5400
City of Tallahassee –Tallahassee Animal Service Center at (850) 891-2950.
After hours, call the Leon County Sheriff Office at (850) 922-3300.

Residents are advised to follow these suggestions:
Keep children away from wildlife
Keep pets away from wildlife
Keep pets inside, if possible
Do not feed wildlife
Do not leave food or food sources outside and accessible to wildlife
Vaccinate pets: dogs, cats, and ferrets

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New Field Operation hours

Due to staffing limitations, Leon County Animal Control has adjusted its hours of field operations.  Our new operational hours for in the field will be Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 pm.  Please contact our On-Call Officer via the Leon County Sheriff Office (922-3300) before and after these hours for emergency calls.

Additionally, there will no longer be an officer on the road Saturday and Sunday for routine calls.  It will be Emergency Call Outs Only via the Sheriff Office.  Note that Emergency Calls are:  Animal Bite investigation, Dangerous or Aggressive Animal, sick or injured domestic animal, animal cruelty, and rabies suspected wildlife.  All other calls will be handled during regular field hours.  Office hours will remain the same: Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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New Animal Control fees

On May 8, 2007, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners approved the increase in fees for animals impounded in violation of County Ordinance and the boarding of these animals at the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center. There has not been a boarding fee increase since 1996. The new regular boarding rate increased from $9.00 to $15.00 per day. The boarding rate for animals held in quarantine under rabies observation increased from $9.64 to $16.00 per day. The impound fees changed from a flat $30.00 per violation to an escalating fee system. As of June 1, 2007, the new fees are:

Impound Fees:
First Impound     =  $25.00
Second Impound =  $50.00
Third Impound    =  $75.00
Forth Impound    =  $100.00
Fifth Impound     =  $125.00
Sixth and Subsequent Impound  =  $250.00

Boarding Fees:
Regular Board  =  $15.00 per day
Bite Quarantine Board  =  $16.00 per day

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"Florida Animal Friend" Specialty License Tag now on sale in Leon County

Doris Maloy, Leon County Tax Collector is happy to announce the availability of the newly issued  Animal Friend License Plate. Pet lovers interested in reducing pet overpopulation in the state of Florida are invited to purchase this tag. Approved in the 2004 legislative session, proceeds from the new “Animal Friend” specialty license plate will be used to fund spay/neuter initiatives in the state.

Now, Leon County car owners will have the option of purchasing the “Animal Friend” license plate for an additional $25 fee when they buy their annual vehicle licenses. Proceeds from the first 2,400 plates sold will go to reimburse the state for the $60,000 required for development of the plate. After that, proceeds will be put into a fund distributed by the Florida Animal Friend Coalition through grants to spay/neuter programs statewide. The goal is to raise enough money to prevent unwanted births of puppies and kittens and thereby reduce the number of animals abandoned on the streets and the number euthanized in shelters.

In 2009, the Animal Shelter Foundation (ASF), the Non-profit support group for the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center, was awarded a $15,000 grant from this program to help reduce the pet over-population. The money was used to finance 200 free spay or neuters in this community. The vouchers were distributed by City and County Animal Control Officers in area of economic distress or financial hardships. For more information, call ASF at (850) 894-6738 or visit their web site at www.tallyASF.org. The Animal Shelter Foundation has applied for another grant this year (2011). Updates on the outcome when available.

The Animal Friend Coalition worked to make the “Animal Friend” plate a reality. The coalition is comprised of animal care groups including: the Florida Animal Control Association, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, and the Humane Society of the United States, as well as  individuals.

The license plate is available for purchase at all Leon County Tax Collector’s Offices. For a list of offices in Leon County, go to www.Leontaxcollector.net or phone 488-4735. Order yours today!

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Animal Health Vaccinations:

Rabies is a deadly virus that is contagious to humans as well as pets, but is preventable. Animal Control encourages all pet owners to have their animals (dogs, cats, ferrets), 4 months or older, vaccinated by a veterinarian. If you are unable to have your pet vaccinated by a local veterinarian, you may contact one of the following pet stores that provide weekend rabies vaccination clinics.

State law mandates that rabies vaccinations may only be administered by a State Licensed Veterinarian.

For weather updates, contact the National Weather Service by clicking the picture below.

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