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Gulf County holds first reading of revised animal control ordinance; Humane Society asks for draft
Summary
County staff presented a repeal-and-replace draft of the county’s animal control ordinance for first reading; the board scheduled adoption for July 22 and a Humane Society representative requested a copy to review before that meeting.
Mr. Novak, a county staff member, read by title a proposed ordinance that would repeal and replace Gulf County’s Animal Control Ordinance. The draft ordinance, presented as the first of two readings, would update definitions, enforcement authority, adopt relevant Florida statutes by reference, and include provisions on nuisance animals, humane care guidelines, running at large, permitting, multiple-pet permits and kenneling, prohibitions on feeding feral animals, regulation of animal sales, redemption and disposition of impounded animals, rabies control, handling dangerous or aggressive animals, and spay/neuter requirements.
Mr. Novak told commissioners the draft tightens the ordinance to make enforcement and administration feasible for county staff and that staff and St. Joseph’s Humane Society had worked on recommendations. The board will consider adoption at its July 22 meeting after the second reading.
During public comment, Randy Wilson of Port Saint Joe asked the board to provide the Humane Society a copy of the ordinance draft for review before the next meeting; Mr. Novak said the county would make the draft available online and provide a paper copy on request.
No vote or formal action on adoption occurred at the first reading; the item was advertised consistent with statute and set for a second reading on July 22 for possible adoption.
