Special magistrate finds code violation at Cooper City home over animals, orders compliance or city abatement

Special Magistrate Scott Klein found that a violation of Cooper City Code §6-34(c)(7) exists at 12105 Park Drive and set a compliance date of June 6, 2025.

Klein said that if the violation is not corrected by that date, "there will be, as a repeat violation, a $500 a day fine imposed for non compliance." He also ordered a $150 administrative fee payable in 30 days and authorized the city to take actions "deemed reasonably necessary to remedy the violation including ... have animal control or the Broward Sheriff's Office enter into the property so as to remove the cats that are present." Klein described the condition as a public health and safety issue tied to fleas and a persistent odor emanating from the home.

The city's case included sworn testimony and a neighbor's video that showed small insects the city identified as fleas jumping onto a neighbor's socks. Neighbor Charlene Antonacci testified the video was taken "less than 2 weeks ago" and that the footage fairly and accurately depicted insects present on her property. The magistrate admitted the video into evidence as City's Exhibit 1 after Antonacci authenticated it.

Broward Sheriff's Office inspectors and a sergeant described a multi-year history of complaints. Inspectors said animal control removed roughly 22 cats in 2021 and that when they entered the residence then, crews wore protective suits because of feces and unsanitary conditions. The city said it has observed ongoing deliveries of cat supplies and empty litter containers on the property, indicating continued animal presence.

Respondent Anne Kiser acknowledged keeping many animals and described long-standing efforts to care for them. "I was trying to save these cats' lives," she told the magistrate, and said she has health and financial constraints after medical treatment and property repairs. Kiser told the magistrate she has been cleaning and has friends who can help, but said she had not counted current animals and estimated "maybe 25, 30" cats and three small dogs.

Klein framed the order as limited to curing the code violations: removing the odor and fleas and reducing the number of animals kept inside so the property does not pose a health risk to neighbors. He ordered the city to take reasonable steps after June 6 if the respondent fails to comply and said any costs incurred by the city to abate the nuisance would be assessed against the property.

The magistrate referenced earlier local casework, including a prior Broward Sheriff's Office case number noted in the record. The hearing record shows the city's presentation, neighbor testimony, and Kiser's responses were considered before the magistrate issued the order.

The magistrate closed the matter and moved to the next docket item.